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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 14 June about efforts to end Russia's war in Ukrai...
At least six Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, 14 June, according to local health officials, as...
Iran's national team received an emotional send-off from supporters in Tijuana on Sunday,14 June as they departed for Los Angeles ahead of their Worl...
All 12 people on board a plane that crashed near Butler Memorial Airport in the U.S. state of Missouri have died, according to local authorities....
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda betw...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 14 June about efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, as world leaders prepare to gather for the G7 summit in France.
At least six Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, 14 June, according to local health officials, as mediators intensified efforts to keep fragile ceasefire negotiations alive.
Iran's national team received an emotional send-off from supporters in Tijuana on Sunday,14 June as they departed for Los Angeles ahead of their World Cup opener against New Zealand.
All 12 people on board a plane that crashed near Butler Memorial Airport in the U.S. state of Missouri have died, according to local authorities.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are aiming to establish a railway connection linking the two countries through Syria and Jordan within the next three to four years, according to Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
As football supporters around the world follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a group of young women in Gaza are fighting a very different battle - rebuilding their lives through the sport they love after losing limbs during the war.
At least six Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, 14 June, according to local health officials, as mediators intensified efforts to keep fragile ceasefire negotiations alive.
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda between the two countries.
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment