In an era when global cities are redefining the future of humanity, the role of culture, dialogue, and civic solidarity becomes increasingly significant. The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted with the support of the Azerbaijani government, has become not only a major international platform for discussing urban development, sustainability, and social inclusion, but also a powerful symbol of cooperation between nations of the Global South.
At the heart of these discussions stands the Global South NGO Platform, an initiative amplifying the voices of developing and least developed countries on the international stage. In this exclusive interview with Global Art Magazine, Mr Fuad Karimli, Secretary General of the Global South NGO Platform, reflects on the importance of inclusive dialogue, the cultural dimension of global policymaking, and the unique role Azerbaijan plays in hosting international forums of such significance.
— What are your impressions of the World Urban Forum so far?
— The World Urban Forum has been truly remarkable so far. UN-Habitat has generously provided us with a booth free of charge for our member organizations — particularly for the NGOs represented within the Global South NGO Platform. These organizations come primarily from developing and least developed countries, and many of them simply do not possess the financial resources necessary to participate in major international events and make their voices heard on a global level.
Thanks to this opportunity, our members are able to organize panel discussions, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute actively to conversations shaping the future of urban development. We are witnessing a great deal of interest from visitors and participants alike, and the response has been incredibly encouraging.
I believe the Global South NGO Platform is fulfilling precisely the mission it was created for — creating space for underrepresented voices and fostering international cooperation. This has been made possible through the support of UN-Habitat, our members and partners, and, of course, the Azerbaijani government, whose role in hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum deserves special recognition.
Azerbaijan once again demonstrates its growing importance as a bridge between cultures, regions, and global perspectives.
— How important is a creative and cultural approach when addressing urban and global challenges?
— I believe it is absolutely essential. If we take our own organization as an example, our Deputy Secretary General for the Pacific region, Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, has extensive experience in the cultural dimension of NGO work. She has participated in nearly every COP conference and consistently advocates for integrating culture and the arts into global discussions. Very often, these conversations become highly technical. They focus on policies, numbers, and systems, all of which are important, of course, but sometimes they lack the emotional and human dimension that art naturally brings.
Art has the ability to translate complex realities into something deeply personal and universally understandable. It creates empathy. It allows people not only to understand issues intellectually, but also to feel them emotionally. This is why I strongly believe artists should have a visible and respected place within these international conversations.
As part of the forum, we currently have an exhibition taking place outside the venue. What makes it particularly meaningful is that it reflects not only reality itself, but also how people emotionally perceive urban life and heritage. The artworks, created by young artists, depict our city through both its historical identity and its modern transformation, capturing the dialogue between the old and the new. This artistic perspective adds depth to discussions about cities and communities. It reminds us that urban spaces are not merely infrastructure, they are living cultural environments shaped by memory, identity, and imagination.
— Thank you very much!
— Thank you!
Interview conducted by Jamala Nakhchivani, the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art Magazine
