By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The highly anticipated 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit has kicked off today at Speke Resort Convention Centre Munyonyo, the fourth time the meeting of over 120 countries is being held in Africa.
Running under the theme, “Deepening cooperation for shared global affluence”, the summit is expected to deliberate and issue pronouncements on key issues including geo-political tensions, climate change, transnational crime, development, human rights issues, and inclusive multilateralism.
Addressing during the opening ceremony of the summit, Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gen (rtd) Jeje Odongo called for multilateralism and solidarity to confront the myriad challenges facing the global community.
He also emphasized the pressing challenges such as conflicts, food insecurity, migration, unemployment, health pandemics, climate change, and terrorism among others.
“Today, we are facing several challenges around the world including conflicts in different parts of the world, food insecurity, migration, unemployment, health pandemics, climate change, and terrorism,” Odongo said while opening the five-day summit at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel on Monday, January 15, 2024.
Reflecting on the historical context of NAM’s establishment in 1961 during the Cold War, Odongo underscored the organization’s continued significance in today’s complex international landscape.
NAM, which now comprises 120 states, 18 observer countries, and 10 observer organizations, has evolved as a pivotal entity amidst the complexities of global relations.
“Today, we are facing several challenges around the world including conflicts in different parts of the world, food insecurity, migration, unemployment, health pandemics, climate change, and terrorism,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges in development financing and the matter of the debt burden, Odongo stressed the critical need for collective action further emphasizing Uganda’s belief in the imperative role of multilateralism and solidarity, particularly in the face of existing, new, and emerging issues.
The minister also emphasized the necessity for individual preparation and collective responses to navigate the evolving challenges that impact humanity.
“It is, therefore, crucial for us to address existing, new, and emerging issues collectively for the good of mankind. Uganda believes that multilateralism and solidarity are required much more than ever so that we individually prepare and collectively respond to further challenges,” noted
Uganda now joins the ranks of Egypt, Zimbabwe, Algeria, and Zambia as host nations for the summit in Africa. Initially scheduled for April 2020, the Kampala summit was postponed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Museveni who is set to assume the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for the next three years, is slated to address the heads of state on Saturday.
Anticipating attendance from at least 28 heads of state, the program outlines key addresses from representatives of regional groups within the movement, statements from heads of state and government, as well as heads of delegations.
According to sources, Mr. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations whose attendance has been confirmed is expected to address the gathering.
After the NAM Summit, the Group of 77 (G-77) + China will also convene under the theme “Leaving no one behind” from January 18 to January 22.
The discussions will center on social African development, climate change, trade, and investments. Uganda is set to assume the chairmanship of the alliance from Cuba.
Established in 1955 during the Asian-Africa meeting in Bandung, Indonesia, the Non-Aligned Movement originated as a force advocating for decolonization, uniting countries not aligned with either the Eastern or Western power blocs. The (G-77) alliance, evolving to include 134 countries, stands as the largest intergovernmental organization of the UN, dedicated to promoting collective economic interests among its members.
The success of the 19th NAM & G77 + China Summits is not only a reflection on Uganda but also impacts the entire NAM and G-77 community. Uganda’s leadership in these summits, spanning three years for NAM and one year for G77 and China, is expected to provide a substantial economic boost. This role will serve as a global platform to showcase Uganda’s distinctive tourism and investment opportunities.
