On November 15, 2024, an international conference on South-South cooperation of NGOs of the Non-Aligned Movement countries was held within the framework of COP29 at the initiative of the Azerbaijani National NGO Forum.

Axar.az reports that at the international conference titled "Developing climate action through South-South cooperation: the role of NGOs", it was emphasized that Azerbaijan has signed important global initiatives during its 4-year chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and has made a significant contribution to strengthening solidarity between countries, including climate-related activities.

Foreign NGOs congratulated the Azerbaijani state, one of the leading countries of the Global South, for successfully organizing COP29.

At the end of the international conference, NGOs representing the Non-Aligned Movement countries agreed on the text of a joint statement on the role of NGOs in developing climate action through South-South cooperation and announced that joining the statement is open to all NGOs participating in COP29.

The statement highlights strong support for Azerbaijan and its global role, emphasizing the country's “COP Ceasefire Initiative” as a significant contribution to promoting peace and collective global action during climate negotiations under COP29. The initiative, aimed at halting wars during climate discussions, has been commended. Global nations are urged to prioritize the humanitarian aspects of climate change, including the protection of vulnerable communities, fostering social justice, and building resilience against ecological crises, aligning their actions with the spirit of the “COP Ceasefire Initiative.”

The statement underlines the crucial role of NGOs in promoting climate resilience, addressing humanitarian challenges, and advocating for inclusive policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It stresses the necessity of expanding collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and NGOs to support climate financing and grassroots initiatives. NGOs worldwide are called upon to strengthen their roles in climate action, particularly by advancing partnerships that address regional climate issues and community-based solutions through South-South cooperation.

The statement indicates that the time has come to establish the Global South NGO Platform, supporting the initiative of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum as a collaborative network for sharing best practices and promoting sustainable development through climate action.

The statement, open to members of civil society represented at COP29, has been signed by 1,023 NGO representatives and public activists from 137 countries.

It is worth noting that civil society organizations from regions covering 71% of the world's countries have expressed support for the initiative of Azerbaijani NGOs, marking a first in the history of Azerbaijan's NGO sector.