BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Witnessing the launch
of the Global South NGO Platform, which is a very important
initiative, in Baku is a great pleasure, Director of the United
Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) Dima Al-Khatib
told reporters on the sidelines of the 13th session of the World
Forum of Cities (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.


According to her, this step further contributes to Azerbaijan's
leadership in the field of South-South and triangular
cooperation.


"This is not the first initiative of Azerbaijan in the field of
South-South cooperation. However, this platform is particularly
important because it brings the voice of NGOs from the Global South
to the wider world.


We had a very productive discussion today. These organizations
will contribute to the advancement of many global agendas by acting
as the voice of communities. This includes the least developed
countries, small island developing states, landlocked countries,
and middle-income countries.


"We'll continue to work closely with them, particularly through
the Global South and the Global Alliance for Trilateral
Cooperation.


Regarding the question of whether the Global South and the
European Union will soon become official partners of UNOSSC: they
are already, of course, partners. By being members of the Global
Alliance, they are considered partners," she noted.


Today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in Baku.


The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.


The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.


The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.


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.