‘D-8 Cooperation for a Prosperous Future’ discussed within Global South NGO Platform

It is essential to adopt a roadmap for expanding relations among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the global arena, according to Irvan Nanda, head of Indonesia's Information Technology and Open Society Organization, Report informs.

He made the remark during the panel discussion themed "D-8 Cooperation for a Prosperous Future" held as part the framework of the founding forum of the Global South NGO Platform.

Nanda noted that today some countries’ governments do not consider the positions and proposals of public organizations:

"Today, thanks to the opportunities created by technology, several NGOs are expanding their activities through social media, thus forming electronic communities. I believe that it is necessary to adopt a roadmap to strengthen cooperation between non-governmental organizations at the global level. At the end of my speech, I would also like to thank the leadership of Azerbaijan for creating conditions for us to discuss our problems more effectively."

Amin Mammadov, Chairman of the Public Council under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, spoke about the importance of unity in the public sphere after Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh.

"I believe that the solidarity here today should encompass public associations of all participating countries, as well as serve the development of cooperation between countries in education, healthcare, and other fields. In this regard, it is important for states like Azerbaijan to share their experience gained in education, healthcare, and other areas with smaller countries. This is especially important after Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh. I believe that the alliance among public organizations in Azerbaijan today should be passed on to future generations," Mammadov mentioned.

Abdul Quader, Executive Director at SETU Development Foundation, called on representatives to establish trade relations with Bangladesh: "I believe that this important conference held in Baku and organized at a high level will support the further strengthening of the position of public organizations representing the Global South as part of the world community. I would suggest that representatives of the global world show interest in establishing trade relations with our countries. Because we have great potential for this. Borders in the world serve only political purposes. There should be no borders between humanity, at the level of world countries."

Muhammad Naufal, a representative of Malaysia's public sector, emphasized his hope that positive future-oriented initiatives will be achieved based on the conclusions from the panel discussion.

"Millions of people living in countries representing the Global South are expecting real initiatives from this event. These initiatives should be future-oriented. Inclusive dialogue, increasing the volume of investments, as well as initiatives put forward by NGOs play an important role in the political and economic development of countries. I believe that these initiatives should be increased and promoted," he explained.

Huseyn Buyukfirat, Chairman of the Turkish and Azerbaijani Business People and Industry Public Association, emphasized that Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh has also positively affected civil society: "Today, the solidarity between the state and civil society played a major role in Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh. The gathering of civil society representatives in Baku today is important in this regard. I believe that we should further strengthen and promote cooperation between civil society representatives of both states."

Photo: Samira Hasanova