Azerbaijan Hosts Forum Celebrating Non-Governmental Organizations

Today, Azerbaijan welcomed representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials at the Congress Center in Zangilan district for the "Azerbaijan NGOs Partnership Forum. "This event, jointly organized by the State Support for Non-Governmental Organizations Agency and the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, aimed to highlight the collaborative efforts between NGOs and governmental bodies, Ednews reports.

Umud Mirzayev, President of the International Eurasia Press Fund, delivered a keynote address praising Azerbaijan's NGOs for their resilience and contributions across various sectors since gaining independence. He underscored the foundational role of Heydar Aliyev in strengthening democratic principles and establishing a legal framework supportive of civil society formation.

Umud Mirzayev noted that Azerbaijani NGOs have been active on diverse international platforms, advocating for Azerbaijan's interests despite challenges. He highlighted their pivotal role during the Second Karabakh War and subsequent efforts in education, economy, social welfare, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding.

Acknowledging their growing influence, Mirzayev mentioned that 14 Azerbaijani NGOs currently hold consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), reflecting Azerbaijan's commitment to promoting their international representation.

Looking ahead, Umud Mirzayev called for enhanced organization and collaboration to strengthen Azerbaijani NGOs both domestically and internationally. He emphasized that such partnerships benefit society, the state, and citizens, fostering a more resilient and empowered civil society.

The "Azerbaijan NGOs Partnership Forum" serves as a platform to showcase the achievements and ongoing initiatives of Azerbaijani NGOs, aiming to elevate their impact on national development and international relations.