BAKU ( WNAM MONITORING): The Baku Declaration related to WUF13 was prepared on the initiative and under the organization of the Global South NGO Platform.
The document was opened for signature by international NGO representatives participating in WUF13. In total, 569 NGO representatives from 103 countries signed the Baku Declaration.
The document reads:
“We, representatives of civil society organizations gathered in Baku within the framework of WUF13, declare the following:
- We congratulate Azerbaijan on the successful organization of WUF13 and its significant contribution to international urban dialogue and cooperation. For the first time in the history of the Forum, the Leaders’ Summit elevated urban development to a new political level, placing it among the priorities of the international agenda;
- At a time when urbicide, culturicide, and ecocide are being observed in various parts of the world, Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction and recovery experience serves as an important methodological example for the international community. In this regard, we propose recognizing the “Azerbaijani experience” as an international benchmark for post-conflict reconstruction and a key reference point in global forums in this field;
- For the first time in WUF history, the NGO Forum held in Baku represents a new stage in civil society participation in the WUF process;
- The convening of the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP), bringing together more than 1,000 NGOs from different countries, and the formation of its leadership marks a historic step in the institutional consolidation of global civil society. This Declaration, adopted through the GSNP network, is an act of global solidarity in support of affordable housing and inclusive urban development. We call on UN-Habitat to continue supporting this initiative, recognize GSNP as an official WUF civil society partner, and make this model a permanent component of future Forums. We propose the creation of a Knowledge Center for Cities of the Global South to systematize and share successful urban development practices;
- Addressing international partners from Baku, we call on them to support people-centered urban policies and pursue more coordinated global action for urban resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive societies;
- Based on the Letter of Intent on developing joint operational rules grounded in the experience of WUF13, we encourage future WUF sessions to be organized in accordance with the Baku Standard.
The Baku Declaration was adopted three days after the first-ever WUF NGO Forum, held on May 19 this year in partnership with the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP) and the NGO Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
During discussions at the WUF13 NGO Forum, which brought together around 800 international and local NGO representatives, participants proposed the creation of an Urban wing within the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP), composed of both domestic and international NGOs represented at WUF13.
