The 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) commenced in Kampala, Uganda, with a primary emphasis on deepening cooperation for shared global prosperity. The five-day summit involves the participation of 120 member states, 18 observer countries, and 10 observer organizations.
This summit is significant for Uganda as President Yoweri Museveni assumes the chairmanship of the organization from President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. President Museveni highlighted Uganda’s neutral stance on international issues, exemplified by its abstention in the recent UN vote on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Uganda’s neutrality was evidenced by its decision to abstain along with 16 other African countries during the UN resolution vote.
Uganda will hold the NAM chairmanship for the next three years, from 2024 to 2026, representing Africa. The NAM chairmanship rotates every three years during its summit, with the outgoing chair and the incoming chair working in collaboration.
The Non-Aligned Movement originated in 1961 during the Cold War and the end of the colonial era. It played a crucial role in the decolonization process and the independence struggles of nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions. The Bandung Asian-African Conference in 1955 served as a precursor to the creation of NAM. The movement’s foundational principles include support for self-determination, opposition to apartheid, non-adherence to military pacts, and the rejection of colonialism and imperialism.
Uganda joined NAM in 1964, inspired by the Bandung Principles, and has remained an active member. The NAM summit, themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” reflects Africa’s increasing influence on the international stage. The summit provides a platform for leaders to address pressing global issues and promote collaboration among member nations.
As Uganda takes over the NAM chairmanship, discussions during the summit are expected to revolve around shared interests, particularly considering the evolving power dynamics in the international arena. The summit will cover various topics, including the strengthening of the United Nations, socio-economic development, international cooperation, and the democratization of international relations.
