Members of the Global South NGO Platform have joined voices to reaffirm solidarity and push for stronger representation in global decision-making, as part of activities marking the United Nations-declared South-South Cooperation Day on September 12.
The online meeting, which drew representatives from over 70 NGOs across the Global South including Nigeria underscored the urgency of South-South cooperation in shaping what participants described as a “new and just world order.”
Acting Secretary General of the Platform, Ramil Iskandarli, said Global South countries must prioritize cooperation among themselves if they are to play a more active role on the global stage. He noted that although the Platform was established only a few months ago, it is already gaining international recognition.
Also speaking, Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), lauded the establishment of the Platform in Baku, Azerbaijan, on April 28, 2025, with participation from NGOs representing 116 countries. She described the initiative as “highly valuable” and assured that UNOSSC is ready to work closely with the Platform.
The meeting also highlighted remarks made earlier by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, who pledged support for the NGO Platform during his address at the 13th Meeting of the Think Tank Forum of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.
Discussions centered on the need for reforms at the United Nations, including securing representation for Global South countries as permanent members of the Security Council.
Participants also stressed the importance of building solidarity among NGOs in the Global South and coordinating collective action to amplify civil society voices in global governance.
A video message from the Platform’s Secretary General was also presented during the session, further reinforcing the group’s determination to ensure perspectives from the Global South are not sidelined in shaping international policies.
By Dare Akogun
