BAKU, Feb 18: Scholars, activists and community leaders from across the globe are set to gather in Azerbaijan’s capital for an international conference titled “Neocolonialism and Global Inequality,” a forum aimed at examining how colonial legacies continue to shape lives and societies today.
The event, organised by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), will bring together anthropologists, psychotherapists, researchers and leaders of independence movements to explore both the historical roots and the present-day realities of neocolonialism.
Unlike traditional academic gatherings, the conference is expected to highlight personal stories and lived experiences alongside policy analysis. Organisers say particular attention will be given to the “traumatic and social experiences” of communities subjected to colonization in diverse cultural contexts.
“Colonialism is often discussed as history, but for many communities it remains a daily reality,” organisers noted ahead of the event. “This conference aims to amplify voices that are too often marginalised in global discourse.”
Among the participants will be specialists working directly with indigenous communities affected by neocolonial structures. Psychotherapists and anthropologists will share insights into the intergenerational impact of colonial trauma, while researchers will examine structural inequalities rooted in past imperial policies.
A notable feature of the conference will be discussions surrounding the development of a Virtual Museum dedicated to colonialism.
The initiative seeks to harness digital and scientific platforms to document and present historical and contemporary experiences of colonized peoples, making information more accessible on an international stage.
Sessions will also address practical challenges faced by research teams investigating colonial legacies, including access to legal materials and collaboration with international organizations. Participants are expected to explore how digital systems can improve documentation, analysis and global awareness of these issues.
Organisers say the ultimate goal is to strengthen international cooperation and provide greater visibility to communities still affected by neocolonial structures.
As Baku prepares to host the gathering, the conference signals a broader effort to reframe conversations about colonial history — not as a closed chapter, but as an ongoing global concern that demands dialogue, research and collective action.
