The Global South plays an important role in the international arena. Azerbaijan considers itself a part of the Global South. We are a part of the Global South geographically, historically, culturally, and also in terms of destiny.

Axar.az informs that this was told by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, as he addressed the First General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform held as part of the Baku Urban Week.

Hikmet Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan fully and comprehensively understands all the challenges faced by the Global South countries, since Azerbaijan has itself experienced all of these challenges and issues during the years of independence and throughout its history.

“I would particularly like to emphasize the elements of colonialism and neocolonialism, which the Global South countries have suffered throughout their history. It is a stain on humanity, and we regretfully note that this practice still continues globally, taking on new forms and manifestations. During Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019–2022, the fight against neocolonialism was one of the key priorities,” the Presidential Assistant emphasized.

“As the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement and COP29, Azerbaijan has made a major contribution to the development of Global South countries and the strengthening of cooperation with them. We have established comprehensive cooperation with the countries of the Global South at both bilateral and multilateral levels. However, we must also acknowledge that we live in a world of global disorder,” said Hikmet Hajiyev.

According to him, new threats, challenges, and uncertainties are emerging.

“Unfortunately, throughout history, when a new global order was being formed, the Global South was not at the table. Especially after World War II, the voice of the Global South was not heard. The world was shaped without the participation, involvement, and cooperation of the South. Given the currently integrated potential and the fact that 80 percent of the world’s population lives in Southern countries, we should not merely be observers in the formation of the new world order. Southern countries must actively participate in all its processes and initiatives,” Hikmet Hajiyev emphasized.