An international conference titled “The Role of Youth in Urban Planning in the Decolonization Process” was held within the framework of the 13th Session of the United Nations (UN) World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, APA reports.
Representatives of the UN Youth Office also participated in the conference for the first time.
The event brought together representatives from 22 countries, including members of the Global South Youth Platform representing current and former colonies, young researchers, specialists in international law, healthcare experts, representatives of pro-independence political parties and organizations, heads of youth organizations, and university students.
Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group Abbas Abbasov stated that decisions regarding the future activities of the platform are expected to be adopted during the meetings held in two stages.
According to him, these decisions include the admission of new members to the Global South Youth Platform, the identification of international organizations for future cooperation, as well as determining the countries and headquarters of international organizations where future events will be held.
Abbas Abbasov noted that Egypt, as well as Bonaire and Sint Maarten, are among the countries and territories newly joining the platform.
The event also discussed the establishment of stronger and more coordinated mechanisms among youth from various regions to combat the ongoing effects of colonialism and neocolonialism, the networking of the Global South Youth Platform, and the transformation of international solidarity into real and effective platforms.
At the same time, participants exchanged views on enhancing youth organization at a higher level, bringing the systemic discrimination and rights violations faced by minorities to the center of the international agenda, and promoting concrete and result-oriented international initiatives against these issues.
It was stated that urbanization processes in territories under colonial and neocolonial governance are accompanied by serious structural problems, social inequality, and infrastructure deficiencies.
It was noted that France’s migration policy in New Caledonia has altered the demographic balance, resulting in the indigenous Kanak population becoming a minority and being pushed from urban centers to peripheral areas. At the same time, the economic dominance of the European-origin population relocated to the island has further deepened socio-economic inequality.
The conference also emphasized that the continuing effects of Dutch colonial policy in Bonaire, combined with increasing tourism and pressure from foreign investment, are causing significant price increases in the housing market. This limits affordable housing opportunities for the local population and further deepens social inequality.
In addition, it was stated that more than 90% of infrastructure in Mayotte was destroyed as a result of Cyclone Chido, leaving over 100,000 people homeless and internally displaced. It was noted that the delayed and indifferent response of the French authorities further worsened the scale of the humanitarian disaster.
Within the framework of the event, conference participants discussed the socio-economic effects of colonial and neocolonial governance, structural inequalities arising in urbanization processes, existing challenges in housing provision, and the impact of these problems on local populations.
