Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, delivered a speech at the Headquarters of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization

On 14 September, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, delivered a speech as the guest of honor at the Headquarters of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO). The event dedicated to the theme "The Role of Youth in Parliamentary Cooperation." Numerous young people from various countries around the world also joined the meeting online.

First, the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan familiarized herself with the facilities at the headquarters.

Subsequently, addressing the youth, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova highlighted Azerbaijan's significant contributions during its four-year chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. It was noted that Azerbaijan's chairmanship coincided with a period of serious global challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the country played a crucial role in demonstrating the solidarity and practical action capabilities of the Non-Aligned Movement during the pandemic.

It was emphasized that in response to the pandemic, Azerbaijan initiated the Online Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement dedicated to COVID-19, as well as the Special Session of the UN General Assembly on COVID-19. Concurrently, the country promoted equitable access to vaccines and provided assistance to nations in need.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis stated that during Azerbaijan's chairmanship, special attention was paid to strengthening the international role and institutional development of the Non-Aligned Movement. A vital aspect of this institutional advancement was the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Network and the Parliamentary Network, initiated by H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Following a decision adopted in 2019, the NAM Youth Network evolved into the Youth Organization.

Ms. Sahiba Gafarova noted that the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO) and the Parliamentary Network (NAM PN) perform distinct yet complementary functions. One creates an international platform for youth, while the other brings together the parliaments of the Non-Aligned Movement member states. Ms. Gafarova emphasised that these two institutions had expanded the Movement’s institutional foundations and brought its work closer to parliaments, young people and society. It was noted that these structures were among the most important and lasting outcomes of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.

Speaking about the establishment of the NAM PN, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova said that since its founding in 2021 in Madrid, on the sidelines of the 143^rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Network had developed its structure under the chairmanship of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, expanded its international cooperation and held five conferences in various countries. The Parliamentary Network has added an important parliamentary dimension to the work of the Non-Aligned Movement and enables commitments made at the international level to be supported by national parliaments through legislation, budgetary measures and parliamentary oversight.

In her address, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis also spoke about youth participation in political and public processes and highlighted the importance of their more active representation in various spheres of life. Ms. Gafarova underscored the importance of quality education, professional skills, decent employment and access to digital opportunities for young people’s development. She also highlighted the importance of involving young people in discussions on artificial intelligence, data protection and the digital economy.

Concluding her address, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova emphasised that NAMYO and the NAM PN are both an important legacy of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship and active institutions serving the future of the Non-Aligned Movement.