Leaders from approximately 120 countries worldwide have gathered in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, for the commencement of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). With an anticipated attendance of about 4,000 guests from various member states, this weeklong summit aims to address critical global issues and promote collaboration among member nations.
During the summit, delegates will participate in two committees—political and economic and social—conducting negotiations that will shape the Kampala Outcome Document. This document is slated for adoption by Foreign Affairs ministers and declaration at the Heads of State summit scheduled for Saturday.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the world, Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen Jeje Odong, stressed the need for multilateralism and solidarity. He highlighted concerns such as armed conflicts, food insecurity, migration, unemployment, health pandemics, climate change, and terrorism, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues collectively for the benefit of mankind.
Established in 1961 during the Cold War, NAM stands as the second-largest group of countries globally, succeeding only the United Nations. Unlike other international organizations, NAM lacks a formal founding Charter, Act, or Treaty, and it operates without a permanent secretariat. The rotational chairmanship, currently transitioning from Azerbaijan to Uganda until 2027, entails coordinating and managing the Movement’s affairs.
NAM’s membership comprises 120 countries, distributed across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. It includes the non-UN member state of Palestine, along with 17 observer countries and 10 observer organizations.
Uganda, hosting one of its most significant global events since the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2007, has witnessed heightened security measures at airports, meeting venues, and hotels in Kampala.
Anticipating positive economic impacts, Uganda’s Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, expects the hospitality, transport, and logistics sectors to benefit from the summit, with earnings trickling down to suppliers.
