WiRE UAE’s Dr. Ajaj Champions Global South Unity at Baku NGO Platform Launch
Dr. Rahaf Ajaj reflects on an inspiring few days in Baku at the founding conference of the Global South NGO Platform (April 28-29, 2025):
“It was a distinct honor to represent the WIRE UAE Chapter and participate in the high-level panel discussion on ‘Local Action, Global Change: NGOs Tackling Climate in the Global South.’
I was particularly delighted to return to beautiful Baku, Azerbaijan, my second visit after the successful COP29, and engage in crucial conversations about amplifying the voices of the Global South in the fight against climate change.
Sharing the stage with esteemed colleagues was truly insightful. The panel featured diverse expertise, including:
• Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues
• Professor Renying Li, Deputy Secretary-General on science and technology (Belt and Road Alliance)
• Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, Member of Parliament, High Level Climate Champion (Azerbaijan)
• Ms. Gulbara Sultanova, Chairman of the Committee on Civil Society Issues under the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan
• Mr. David Fernandez Puyana, Ambassador of the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) to the UN Offices in Vienna and Geneva
Our discussion underscored the fundamental inequity of climate impacts and the urgent need for locally rooted, globally connected solutions. We explored the vital role of NGOs in driving climate action through capacity building, policy advocacy, and fostering South-South cooperation – principles central to the mission of UAE WIRE in empowering women in the renewable energy sector.
The establishment of the Global South NGO Platform marks a significant step towards ensuring our collective voices are heard, fostering mutual learning, and confronting global injustices like climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Let’s continue to build on this momentum, strengthen partnerships, and work together for a just and sustainable future for all.”
