Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) Statement at the Inaugural Global South NGO Forum in Baku

The inaugural Global South NGO Platform is currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, from April 28–29, 2025, bringing together civil society representatives from nearly 100 countries in a significant step toward deepening collaboration across the Global South (caliber.az). The Platform, conceptualized during COP29 in November 2024, builds on a joint declaration endorsed by over 1,000 NGO representatives and public activists from 137 countries, which emphasized the critical role of civil society in advancing climate action and introduced the “COP Truce” initiative — a call to suspend conflicts during climate negotiations to foster global cooperation. At this historic gathering, Charles P. Mwangi, Head of Programs and Research at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), is playing an active role, co-chairing sessions focused on strengthening South-South partnerships, fostering resilient cooperation, and championing equitable climate action.

PACJA Remarks

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) commenced its address by acknowledging the government and people of Azerbaijan for their effective hosting of COP29. The logistical excellence and the spirit of cooperation demonstrated throughout the conference were lauded as benchmarks for future convenings. PACJA noted the strong collaboration with the Azerbaijan National NGOs Forum, citing joint initiatives such as the successful Pre-COP convening in Baku and multiple side events held during COP29, which have laid the foundation for ongoing South-South solidarity.

Highlighting the enduring partnership, PACJA referenced the recent participation of the Azerbaijan NGOs Forum in the launch of its Climate and Economic Justice Campaign in Nairobi. This collaboration underscores a growing movement within the Global South towards collective action against shared, though differentiated, challenges — particularly those related to climate change, economic inequity, and governance.

The Case for Solidarity Among Global South Actors

PACJA emphasized the critical juncture at which the Global South finds itself. Historical injustices — ranging from economic exploitation and political interference to systemic inequities in international trade and finance — have impeded the sustainable development aspirations of many nations, especially in Africa. These structural imbalances, rooted in colonial legacies and entrenched biases, continue to limit opportunities for economic and social transformation.

Africa, endowed with significant natural resources, a burgeoning youth population, and expanding markets, holds vast potential for driving global sustainable development. However, realizing this potential requires dismantling the structural barriers entrenched within the global financial and governance systems.

The forum was identified as a strategic platform for interrogating these structures, examining sovereign debt challenges, advocating for reforms in the global financial architecture, and addressing governance gaps that affect the management of natural resources. These discussions are critical to ensuring the effective implementation of global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Pact for the Future.

The Role of Civil Society

Civil society organizations (CSOs) were recognized as essential actors in the push for systemic change. PACJA reaffirmed the sector’s role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, holding power to account, and advocating for policies that promote justice, equality, and sustainable development. Civil society must continue to function as a bridge between citizens and institutions, ensuring that global commitments translate into meaningful action at local and national levels.

PACJA shared its own commitment to these principles, exemplified by the recent launch of the African segment of the Global Economic Justice Campaign. The campaign seeks to advance reparations, advocate for debt cancellation, and push for comprehensive reforms in the international financial and economic system — efforts aimed at unlocking Africa’s full potential and securing a sustainable and inclusive future.

In closing, PACJA urged all stakeholders to rally around the common cause of building a just and equitable world. The Alliance called for renewed solidarity among Global South actors and invited all present to actively participate in the ongoing Climate and Economic Justice Campaign, positioning it as a crucial step toward redressing historical injustices and creating resilient, fair societies.