WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnerships and Decision-Making

This forum explores the pivotal role of NGOs in shaping inclusive urban planning and sustainable cities. Bringing together global leaders and civil society representatives, it focuses on how international partnerships and local NGO initiatives can directly influence decision-making processes to create more resilient and equitable urban environments for all.

Hosted by: Agency State Support NGOs-AZE

May 19, 2026 | 14:00 - 17:00 (passed)

Dialogue room A

English

Hybrid

WUF13

Other Events

Summary

The WUF13 NGO Forum is a high-level gathering designed to bridge the gap between grassroots civil society and global urban policy. The event features two primary panel discussions: one focusing on how NGOs impact inclusive urban decision-making, and another highlighting the importance of global partnerships in achieving sustainable city goals.

It serves as a platform for sharing best practices from the Global South and fostering cooperation between international organizations and local activists.

Moderator Details

Ramil Iskandarli – Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum
Shabnam Safarova – Chairwoman of the “For the Progress of Karabakh” Public Union

Speaker Details

Opening Ceremony

Special guest
Special guest
Aygun Aliyeva – Chairperson of the Board of the Agency on State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Charlene Ruto – Head of SMACHS Foundation
Dima Al-Khatib – Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation

Panel 1: Inclusive Urban Planning

Nadima Rahimli – Chairwoman of the “For the Social Well-being of Citizens” Public Union
Luis Gallegos – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UN Global Partnership for Inclusive ICT
Li Renying – Deputy Secretary-General for Science and Technology, “Belt and Road” Alliance
Blanca Mujica – UN Youth Representative; Director of the Peru Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy (IPPDR)
David Fernández – Permanent Observer Ambassador of the University for Peace (UPEACE) to the UN in Geneva, Vienna, and UNESCO in Paris

Panel 2: Global Partnerships for Sustainable Cities

Maryam Majidova – Chairwoman of the “Gender Hub” Public Union
Mithika Mwenda – Head of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)
Ezekiel Nyanfor – Head of the Liberian Youth for Climate Actions
Nabil Ayad – Director of the Global Europe Diplomatic Academy, University of Europe for Applied Sciences

Objectives

To analyze the influence of NGOs on inclusive urban planning and decision-making processes
To promote global partnerships and cooperation for the development of sustainable cities
To facilitate networking and knowledge exchange between international delegates and local NGO representatives