BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Decision-making in
the context of multilateral diplomacy is a complex task, and the UN
remains a key forum for addressing global issues, Luis Gallegos,
Deputy Secretary-General of the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP)
for the Latin America region, said, Trend reports.
He made the remark during the NGO Forum on “Global Partnership
and Decision-Making” as part of WUF13.
“The current geopolitical situation is characterized by
uncertainty and a world order based on the use of force or the
threat of its use, rather than on international law and mechanisms
for negotiation and conflict resolution,” the Deputy
Secretary-General said.
He noted that under these conditions, it is particularly
important to promote global partnerships capable of addressing key
global challenges.
Gallegos emphasized that a global partnership encompasses
states, the private sector, non-governmental organizations,
international organizations, civil society, local communities, and
academia.
According to him, bringing together such a large number of
participants requires political will to overcome differences and
protect the common good.
He noted that many issues extend beyond the borders of
individual states and take on a regional or global character,
requiring complex negotiations and agreements.
Moreover, Gallegos stated that the world is characterized by
differences in culture, values, religions, and political and
educational systems, which complicates the process of reaching
consensus.
The official emphasized the need for a clear understanding of
the facts and issues, as well as a collaborative approach.
According to him, participants in multilateral negotiations must
set aside their own interests for the sake of the common good.
In addition, Gallegos noted that in the context of complex
negotiations, solutions require a multi-system approach and
people-centered political will.
He also emphasized that holding the NGO Forum in Azerbaijan
marked a historic milestone, as it is the first such event in the
history of the World Cities Forum.
Meanwhile, the third day of the 13th session of the World Urban
Forum (WUF13) is underway in Baku.
On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New
Urban Agenda, a roundtable of ministers, assemblies of women and
civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
well-being were held. A ceremony for raising the flags of the
United Nations and Azerbaijan also took place within the framework
of the forum.
The second day of the forum drew attention with the first-ever
Leaders Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing
crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience were held that
day. At the same time, the Mexico City pavilion was inaugurated
within the framework of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as an
important platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.