569 NGOs Sign Baku Declaration at WUF13

Why this is here: The first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform brought together more than 1,000 NGOs from various countries, signifying a new level of institutional organization for global civil society.

Representatives from 569 NGOs in 103 countries signed the Baku Declaration at the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Global South NGO Platform organized the declaration and opened it for signatures during the forum. Signatories congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting WUF13 and elevating urban development as a global priority.

The declaration highlights Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction as a potential model for other nations. It also marks the first time a WUF NGO Forum has occurred, representing increased civil society involvement. Over 1,000 NGOs participated in the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform, forming a new leadership structure.

The document asks UN-Habitat to officially recognize the Global South NGO Platform as a WUF partner and support a proposed Knowledge Center for Cities of the Global South. Future WUF sessions may adopt standards established at this forum, but establishing the Knowledge Center and formalizing the partnership require further action.