An international youth forum titled “Strengthening the Role of Youth in the Postcolonial Era” opened in Baku on 1 May, bringing together delegates from current and former colonies to discuss decolonisation, self-determination and the role of young people in shaping global governance.
Organised by the Baku Initiative Group, the event has brought together participants from 17 countries, including young diplomats, researchers, international law specialists, healthcare experts, representatives of pro-independence political parties and organisations, youth leaders and university students.
Discussions at the forum focus on the modern consequences of colonialism and neocolonialism. Participants are expected to exchange views on establishing an international solidarity network and a platform for cooperation.
Delegates are also examining ways to develop more structured international mechanisms centred on shared goals, including ending colonial administration, accelerating self-determination processes and adding territories to the United Nations Decolonisation List.
Other topics include forced migration, social inequality, unemployment, limited access to education and restricted political participation in territories affected by colonial rule.
The forum is also addressing the long-term effects of colonialism, including cultural and identity erosion, economic exploitation, environmental damage and the health impacts of nuclear testing.
Speaking at the event, Akashdeep Singh Chahai, chairman of Canada’s Panth Punjab project, said young people were not only future leaders but active participants in shaping postcolonial realities.
He said many current state structures had been formed through historical colonial processes and did not always reflect the identities of all peoples.
According to Chahai, empowering youth should go beyond participation in existing systems and include enabling communities to determine their own development paths based on sovereignty, traditional governance models and historical values.
He added that the postcolonial future was not predetermined but was being shaped through dialogue and joint initiatives.
Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, said the organisation was established in July 2023 on the sidelines of an international conference dedicated to eliminating colonialism.
He said the group has since organised more than 35 international events focused on the consequences of colonial and neocolonial policies, decolonisation and the protection of human rights, including those of Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities.
According to Abbasov, the group has operated as a think tank since 2024, publishing three books and preparing more than 40 analytical reports.
He added that alternative reports have been submitted to international organisations and that cooperation has expanded to include more than 15 countries affected by neocolonial policies.
The group also works with international institutions including the United Nations, its Human Rights Council, the Human Rights Committee, the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, the UN Youth Office and the Non-Aligned Movement.
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