569 NGOs from 103 countries sign Baku Declaration in connection with WUF13

At the initiative and under the organization of the Global South NGO Platform, the “Baku Declaration” was prepared in connection with WUF13. The document was open for signing by foreign representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participating in WUF13. The “Baku Declaration” was signed by 569 NGO representatives from 103 countries.

As AZERTAC reports, the document states:

“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 important contribution to the development of international urban dialogue and cooperation. The Leaders Summit, held for the first time in the history of the forum, elevated urban development issues to a new political level, placing them among the priorities of the international agenda;

- At a time when urbicide, culturicide, and ecocide are manifesting in various parts of the world, Azerbaijan’s experience in recovery and reconstruction in the post-conflict period represents an important methodological example for the international community. In this regard, we propose recognizing the “Azerbaijani experience” as an international standard and primary reference point at relevant forums in the restoration of post-conflict regions of the world;

- The NGO Forum held for the first time in Baku in the history of WUF marks a new stage of civil society participation in the WUF process;

- The convening of the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP), uniting more than 1,000 NGOs from various countries, as well as the formation of its leadership, represents a historic stage in the institutional consolidation of global civil society. This Declaration, adopted through the GSNP network, serves as 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 partner from civil society, and make this model a permanent component of future forums. In order to systematize and disseminate successful urban development experience, we propose establishing a Knowledge Center for Global South Cities;

- Addressing all international partners from Baku, we call on them to support people-oriented urban policies and undertake more coordinated global actions for urban sustainability, resilient development, and inclusive societies;

- Based on the Letter of Intent related to the development of joint operational rules for future WUF sessions drawing on the experience of WUF13, we promote their conduct in accordance with the “Baku Standard.”

May 22, 2026, Baku, Azerbaijan.”

It should be noted that the “Baku Declaration” was adopted three days after the WUF13 NGO Forum, held for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum on May 19 this year in partnership with the Global South NGO Platform (GSNP) and organized by the Agency for NGOs of Azerbaijan. During discussions at the WUF13 NGO Forum, attended by approximately 800 foreign and local NGO representatives, it was proposed to form an Urban wing of GSNP from local and foreign NGOs represented at WUF13.

At the opening ceremony of the WUF13 NGO Forum, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Anacláudia Rossbach stated that this forum is a historic event for WUF. Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation Dima Al-Khatib described the Global South NGO Platform as a fantastic project and congratulated Azerbaijan on establishing this platform in Baku. Former Secretary of the UN-Habitat Board Christian Mensa congratulated GSNP on creating a space for interaction between local and foreign NGOs within WUF13. He noted that in the current complex international environment, the “Bandung Principles” are once again gaining relevance, and this event is a real manifestation of the application of these principles in the sphere of cooperation and multilateral partnership.