The year 2020 marks the significant 65th anniversary of the iconic Bandung Conference, leading to the inception of the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Initiated in 1955 during discussions of the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference in Indonesia, the NAM’s basic concept came into existence. As we commemorate this milestone, it is an opportune moment to ponder over the philosophy that underpins the Movement.
Non-Aligned Movement: A Reflection
India has consistently emphasized that NAM has never served and should not serve as a platform for pursuits undermining any State’s territorial integrity. India has pledged to utilize its vast developmental experience for humanity’s peace and welfare, embracing the principle of ‘the world as one family’. It further stressed the need to avoid divisive issues to keep NAM relevant in the global decision-making process.
Covid-19 and the Need for Solidarity
The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness and dependence of NAM members on each other. It presents an opportunity for members to mitigate the pandemic’s socio-economic impact on society’s most vulnerable segments. South-South cooperation can provide a pathway for societies seeking regeneration post-crisis – a tradition that NAM uniquely promotes.
NAM and Global Challenges
The Movement faces numerous challenges besides the global pandemic. Terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity threats, the uneven impact of frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things, and development concerns are among these. These challenges necessitate collective action from all members. The strength of NAM lies in its diversity, shared developmental experience, and youth populations.
NAM: Background and Purpose
Emerging during the Cold War, NAM sought to remain independent or neutral without aligning formally with the USA or the Soviet Union. Six years post the Bandung Conference, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries established itself on a wider geographical basis in 1961. Notably, the aim of the organisation was outlined in the Havana Declaration of 1979 to protect non-aligned countries’ national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security against foreign subjugation.
Membership, Observers, and Decision Making
As of April 2018, NAM comprised 120 members across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Additionally, there are 17 countries and 10 international organisations observing NAM. Operating without a formal constitution or permanent secretariat, the Movement follows a non-hierarchical and rotational administration model, with consensus-based decision-making.
NAM: The Path Ahead
While NAM members call for effective and reformed multilateralism, they must introspect and reform their movement’s current regimes. This will enable them to chase a constructive, affirmative and transformative agenda. The NAM’s future hinges on its member nations’ performance in addressing today’s defining challenges. These can be comfortably resolved on solidarity and cooperation principles, which lie at the heart of NAM’s philosophy.