Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | As the much-anticipated NAM summit approaches its zenith, the influx of world leaders is generating waves of excitement throughout the host nation, Uganda.
Among the eminent high-level delegates expected are leaders of global significance, including Ilham Heydar Oghlu Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the current Chair of the NAM, and Salvador Valdes Mesa, Vice President of the Republic of Cuba and Chairperson of the Group of 77 and China.
The spotlight will also shine on Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Representatives from the four Regional Groups constituting the Movement—African, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and European—further enhance the prestige of the eagerly awaited guest list.
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Friday’s agenda as most of the world leaders are expected to have jetted in the country, promises a day of historical significance, hosting key events that will mold the trajectory of the NAM summit.
The pinnacle will be the anticipated election by acclamation of host President Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda, as the Chair of the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the NAM. This momentous occasion will also signify the official transfer of the NAM Chair from Azerbaijan to Uganda.
President Museveni is poised to articulate his vision and priorities as the new Chair of the 19th Summit before presiding over a state banquet later on Friday evening. These pivotal moments will attract global attention as leaders convene to navigate the challenges and opportunities on the horizon for the NAM and G77+ China summits.
The Non-Aligned Movement, formed during the collapse of the colonial systems and at the height of the Cold War, has played a key part in decolonization processes, according to its website.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit: A Brief Overview
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) stands as a unique forum comprising 120 developing countries, founded in 1961 during the Belgrade Summit. Born out of the desire of newly independent nations to maintain autonomy in the midst of the Cold War, the NAM continues to be a significant force in global geopolitics.
Objectives and Principles: The primary objective of the NAM is to foster cooperation among member states and provide a collective voice for nations not aligned with major power blocs. Guided by principles such as respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful coexistence, the movement seeks to address common challenges faced by the developing world.
Regular Summits: NAM convenes regular summits where leaders from member countries gather to discuss and coordinate on a range of global issues. These summits serve as a platform for articulating perspectives on peace, security, economic development, and social justice.
Themes and Focus: Each summit revolves around a theme relevant to the current global context. Emphasizing cooperation, shared prosperity, and addressing common challenges, these themes reflect the movement’s commitment to fostering positive change on a global scale.
Baku Summit (18th): The 18th NAM Summit took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2019. The summit focused on upholding the Bandung Principles, emphasizing the need for a united and effective response to contemporary challenges.
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Uganda Summit (19th): The most recent summit, held in Uganda, centers around the theme of “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” The ongoing summit underscores the movement’s commitment to promoting collaboration and addressing issues crucial to the well-being of member states.
Membership and Global Impact: NAM’s membership spans regions including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. While the movement emerged during the Cold War, its enduring relevance is evident in its ongoing contributions to shaping global geopolitics.
