Solidarity in Action from Baku: A Peruvian Voice for Climate Justice and Youth Leadership
The Global South represents more than a geopolitical designation; it embodies a shared history of resilience, struggle, and aspiration among countries often marginalized in global decision-making processes.
From April 27 to 30, 2025, Baku, Azerbaijan became a global hub for transformative dialogue, visionary strategy, and renewed solidarity among changemakers from the Global South. The international conference entitled “Solidarity in Action: Strengthening NGOs from the Global South for a New and Just World” brought together delegates from 116 countries, each committed to advancing the frontlines of justice, equity, and sustainability.
From the Global South, the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR) was well represented by a powerful voice from Peru—Blanca Mujica Acuña, a young, vibrant lawyer and the Regional Director of IPPDR in Peru.
As a dedicated climate activist, Blanca is fighting for Amazonian climate justice, amplifying the voices of indigenous and frontline communities who face the brunt of ecological degradation and exclusion from international policymaking. Her participation signaled more than national representation—it symbolized the rising power of youth leadership and IPPDR’s unwavering belief in empowering young leaders to become architects of their own futures.
IPPDR’s Mission: Centering Youth for Peace, Justice, and Global Policy
The Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR) is rooted in a singular mission: to cultivate the next generation of ethical leaders through education, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and policy innovation.
We believe that sustainable global change begins with localized empowerment. That is why we work across continents to uplift youth and civil society actors—particularly from the Global South—to navigate and influence systems of governance, diplomacy, and development.
At IPPDR, we don’t simply teach policy. We build movements. Our programs are designed to prepare youth for real-world engagement in diplomacy, conflict resolution, human rights, and environmental governance.
Through our Global Peace Ambassador Program, we identify and elevate individuals who demonstrate a clear commitment to the principles of peace, justice, and transformative leadership.
Our Regional Directors serve as both mentors and mobilizers, bringing IPPDR’s curriculum and values into local communities, classrooms, and global forums. They are essential in realizing IPPDR’s vision: a world where youth are not the leaders of tomorrow—but of today.
Throughout the conference, the emphasis on South-South cooperation was not merely theoretical. It was visible in the networks built, the projects imagined, and the promises forged across borders. From Africa to Asia, from Latin America to the Pacific, NGOs and youth delegates came together to redefine solidarity—not as charity or assistance, but as mutual empowerment.
Blanca actively participated in conversations on how to reform development frameworks to reflect the real priorities of the South: climate resilience, community-based sustainability, and digital inclusion. She also highlighted the importance of intergenerational collaboration, stressing that elders and youth must work together to preserve indigenous knowledge systems while embracing the benefits of emerging technologies.
Her message reflected IPPDR’s foundational value: peace, sustainability, and justice must be localized before they can be globalized. And youth—especially young women lawyers and advocates—must be equipped with tools, platforms, and allies to do just that.
Emerging Technologies and Local Innovation: Tools for a Just Transition
One of the most forward-looking aspects of the Baku conference was the exploration of emerging technologies in the service of development and environmental justice. From AI-powered early warning systems for natural disasters to blockchain tools for transparent climate finance, the Global South is no longer asking for access, it is creating its own tech solutions.
Blanca contributed to this dialogue by presenting examples of how Peruvian youth are using digital platforms to expose illegal mining, deforestation, and environmental abuses in the Amazon. These efforts are not only technologically innovative but rooted in justice and civic accountability—an approach IPPDR champions globally.
She reminded the audience that climate justice is not just about mitigation; it is about equity, participation, and inclusion. It is about ensuring that the tools of the future are not owned by the few, but shared by the many.
Gratitude and Diplomacy: Honoring the Hosts
The IPPDR extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Agency for State Support to NGOs of Azerbaijan, the National NGO Forum, and the Government of Azerbaijan for their hospitality and vision in organizing such a pivotal event. By creating a platform where voices from the Global South could speak on their own terms, the conference set a new standard for diplomatic collaboration and participatory development.
It was not just a conference. It was a call to action. And for Blanca Mujica Acuña—and for IPPDR—it was a reaffirmation of everything we stand for.
Looking Ahead: A Movement of Youth, Peace, and Climate Action
As Blanca returned to Peru, she did not return alone. She carried with her the stories, strategies, and shared spirit of 116 nations. She returned not just with knowledge, but with a mandate to mobilize—to work with local communities, students, NGOs, and policymakers to continue building the bridges started in Baku.
At IPPDR, we are proud of her leadership. We are proud of every youth leader who rises from their community to stand for something greater. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to elevate and empower leaders who believe in peace through justice, diplomacy through equity, and sustainability through solidarity.
Our work does not end at the summit. It begins there.
To learn more about our Regional Directors, Global Peace Ambassadors, or to join IPPDR’s mission, visit www.ippdr.org
