BIG hosts international decolonization conference at WUF13

Within the framework of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) organized an international conference dedicated to the theme The Role of Youth in Urban Planning During the Decolonization Process, Report informs.

The meeting marked the first international event of the Global South Youth Platform, created by young representatives from various countries at BIG's initiative. For the first time, the UN Youth Office also participated with its representatives.

The conference brought together members of the Global South Youth Platform representing current and former colonies – including young researchers, specialists in international law, health experts, representatives of pro-independence political parties and organizations, youth leaders, and university students from 22 countries.

Discussions focused on building stronger and more coordinated mechanisms against the ongoing impacts of colonialism and neocolonialism, strengthening the networking of the Global South Youth Platform, and turning international solidarity into real and effective platforms.

Byron-Cox Richard Anthony Beresford, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, stressed the need for greater youth organization and for systemic discrimination and rights violations faced by minorities to be placed at the center of the international agenda, with concrete, results-oriented initiatives.

"Urbanization processes in territories under colonial and neocolonial administration are accompanied by serious structural problems, social inequality, and infrastructure deficiencies."

Rock Haocas, Vice-President of the Union of Kanak and Exploited Workers (USTKE) in New Caledonia, noted that French migration policies have altered demographic balance, pushing the indigenous Kanak population into minority status and displacing them from city centers to the peripheries.

"Meanwhile, the economic advantage of European-origin settlers has further deepened socio-economic inequality."

Phineus Cristan Thayi Eugene, young representative of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, emphasized that the continuation of Dutch colonial policies, combined with growing tourism and foreign investment pressures, has led to sharp increases in housing prices:

"This process severely limits local people's access to affordable housing and deepens social inequality."

The conference also highlighted the situation in Mayotte, where Cyclone Chido destroyed more than 90% of infrastructure, leaving over 100,000 people homeless and displaced. The delayed and indifferent response of French authorities to this humanitarian disaster was said to have worsened the crisis.