Baku Initiative Group

Union, Liberty, Independence

File:İmage 001.jpg
Abbreviation	BIG
Motto	Union, Liberty, Independence
Formation	6 July 2023 (2023-07-06)
Founded at	Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan
Type	Governmental, NGO, Nonprofit
Headquarters	Baku
Location	Baku, Azerbaijan
Region served	Worldwide
President	Abbas Abbasov
Website	bakuinitiative.com

The Baku Initiative Group was officially established on 6 July 2023, following a roundtable discussion held in Baku as part of the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Coordination Office. During the event, representatives from Martinique, Guyana, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and the Solomon Islands delivered statements. The organization's official headquarters was inaugurated on 21 October 2023 at Winter Park Plaza in Baku.

Activity

The Baku Initiative Group is dedicated to supporting the struggle for freedom among peoples living under colonial rule across the world. On September 22, 2023, the Group convened a conference at the United Nations titled "Decolonization: The Quiet Revolution." This was followed by an international conference initiated by the Group on October 20, 2023, entitled "Neocolonialism: Violation of Human Rights and Injustice," which brought together participants from 14 countries, including representatives from French overseas territories and Corsica. On November 21, 2023, the Group organized a conference on "Decolonization: Empowerment and Development of Women."

On 20 June 2024, at the initiative of the Baku Initiative Group, an international conference titled "Towards Independence and Fundamental Freedoms: The Role of the C24 Committee in Ending Colonialism" was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event gathered representatives from eight territories formerly colonized by France and the Netherlands.

Territories

The Baku Initiative Group supports the decolonization of the following colonial territories and actively collaborates with their representatives. In addition, former French colonies such as Comoros and Haiti also participate in events organized by the Group.

• New Caledonia: The Baku Initiative Group holds regular meetings with the New Caledonian delegation as part of its ongoing collaboration efforts. In 2024, the Baku Initiative Group, together with 14 political movements fighting for independence, issued a statement in support of New Caledonia and condemning France. Roch HAOCAS, Foreign Affairs Coordinator of the Kanak Workers' Union, praised the work and activities of the Baku Initiative Group.
• French Polynesia: On 30 April 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Baku Initiative Group and "Tavini", a political party from French Polynesia.
• French Guiana
• Guadeloupe: Jan Jacob Bicep, Secretary-General of the People's Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe, expressed his gratitude to the Baku Initiative Group for its efforts.
• Saint Martin: Roda Arrindell, a human rights advocate from Saint Martin, expressed her belief in the importance of the Baku Initiative Group's support in the struggle to end French colonialism. On December 6, 2024, a conference entitled "French and Dutch Colonial Rule in Saint Martin – One Island, One People, One Destiny" was held. During the conference, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Saint Martin Unity Association.
• Bonaire: Davika Bissessar, President of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, expressed her gratitude to the Baku Initiative Group for its support of decolonization. An international conference on "Bonaire's path to self-determination at the UN General Assembly through Baku" was held in Baku on August 22, 2022. Representatives of the people of Bonaire participated in the conference. A cooperation agreement has been signed between the Baku Initiative Group and Bonaire NGOs.
• Martinique
• Corsica: The Baku Initiative Group has announced its support for "Nazione," the Corsican independence movement.
• Comoros: Although Comoros is an independent state, it claims that the island of Mayotte remains under French occupation and demands its return; for this reason, it actively participates in the Baku Initiative Group. On August 2, 2024, a meeting was held between the BIG and the delegation of the island of Mayotte. During the conference titled "The Illegal Occupation of Mayotte by France: The Position of the Union of the Comoros," a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Maore Committee.
• Réunion: On January 21, 2025, an international conference entitled "The Independence of Réunion: A Look at France's Colonial Legacy and the Path to Sovereignty" was held. The conference brought together representatives of the people of Réunion fighting for independence, as well as leaders of organizations active in anti-colonial efforts. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Baku Initiative Group and the Ka Ubuntu Independence Movement covers cooperation not only in the political sphere, but also in the fields of education and healthcare.
• Wallis and Futuna

International Decolonization Front

In July 2024, with the support of the Baku Initiative Group, representatives of France's remaining colonies established the International Front for Decolonization in Baku. During a congress held in Kanaky on January 23–24, the International Front for Decolonization officially adopted President Ilham Aliyev's "Iron Fist" as its symbol.

References

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