Decolonization Dialogues: Legacy, Challenges, and Progress

On 22 December, the event titled “Decolonization Dialogues: Legacy, Challenges, and Progress” was successfully held through the joint organization of the NAM Youth Organization, the NAM Parliamentary Network, and the Baku Initiative Group. The event aimed to highlight both the progress achieved and the ongoing challenges in global decolonization efforts, with a particular focus on colonial legacies, historical achievements, and the emergence of neo-colonialist practices.

The opening ceremony commenced with introductory remarks by Mr. Rustam Mahmudov, Representative of the NAM Parliamentary Network, followed by an opening address delivered by Mr. Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group. The ceremony concluded with remarks by Ms. Leyla Hasanova, Head of the Secretariat of the NAM Youth Organization, who emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and youth engagement in addressing the enduring impacts of colonialism.

During the opening session, participants were also presented with a video overview highlighting the history of colonialism, the role of the Non-Aligned Movement in countering colonial legacies, and key initiatives undertaken during Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship to dismantle structures perpetuating neo-colonial practices.

The substantive program of the event featured two thematic panel discussions. Panel I, titled “Colonial Legacy and the Politics of Decolonization in the Modern Context,” brought together distinguished experts who examined contemporary dimensions of decolonization, including the principle of self-determination. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Esmira Jafarova, Board Member of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). Panel II, “Cultivating Intergenerational Resilience: Youth for Decolonization and Shaping Post-Colonial Societies,” focused on the role of youth in advancing decolonization processes and building resilient post-colonial societies.

Both panels concluded with interactive question-and-answer sessions, fostering meaningful exchanges between speakers and participants. The event served as an important platform for inclusive dialogue, reinforcing the commitment of the organizing institutions to advancing awareness, cooperation, and action on decolonization within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement.