21/05/2026

“The Role of Youth in Decolonizing Urbanization”

During the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF 13), held in the capital city of Baku, the Baku Initiative Group organized an international conference on 20 May 20, 2026, titled “The Role of Youth in Decolonizing Urbanization.” The conference was particularly significant as the inaugural international event of the Global South Youth Platform, which was established at the initiative of the Baku Initiative Group by young representatives from various countries across the world.

For the first time, the United Nations Youth Office was represented at the conference through its delegates. The event brought together members of the Global South Youth Platform representing current and former colonies, including young researchers, specialists in international law, public health experts, representatives of pro-independence political parties and organisations, leaders of youth organisations, and university students, with delegates from a total of 22 countries participating in the conference.

The event served as an important platform for deliberations on the development of stronger and more coordinated frameworks of resistance among young people from diverse regions against the enduring impacts of colonialism and neocolonialism. In this context, the expanding network of the Global South Youth Platform has contributed to the institutionalisation of international solidarity through the establishment of practical and effective mechanisms for co-operation. Furthermore, participants engaged in comprehensive exchanges of views on strengthening youth organisation and representation, elevating the systemic discrimination and human rights violations faced by minority communities within the international agenda, and promoting concrete, sustainable, and result-oriented global initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges.

During the first official meeting of the Global South Youth Platform, held within the conference framework, participants adopted a series of decisions aimed at shaping the Platform’s future priorities, expanding international cooperation, and strengthening relations among member countries. Participants also approved the admission of Bonaire, Saint Martin, Senegal, and Egypt to the Platform, thereby raising the total number of member countries and territories to 20. Furthermore, the meeting underscored the enhancement of youth participation in international decision-making processes, alongside the implementation of joint initiatives and collaborative projects, as key strategic priorities of the Platform.

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