Developing Nations Urged to Strengthen Economic Ties as NAM Midterm Meeting Opens in Kampala

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to advancing the principles and outcomes of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), as he officially opened the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the XIX Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Movement at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

In his opening address to delegates, Gen. Odongo welcomed participants back to Kampala, nearly two years after the country hosted the historic 19th NAM Summit in January 2024, and urged member states to deepen cooperation in pursuit of global peace, economic transformation, and solidarity.

“Uganda remains steadfast in upholding the Movement’s principled positions and in promoting the collective interests of our Member States on the global stage,” the Minister said. “We are fully committed to revitalising NAM, reinforcing its unity and solidarity, and ensuring that our voice continues to influence international dialogue and decision-making.”

The Minister emphasised that the success of the Movement’s agenda, including addressing pressing global challenges such as peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and international cooperation, depends on collective effort and shared commitment among member states.

“It is only through unity, solidarity and a common purpose that we can project a clear, strong, and coordinated voice on the issues that affect our nations in today’s increasingly complex and volatile global environment,” he noted.

Gen. Odongo reaffirmed NAM’s long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling the question of Palestine “central to the Movement.” He urged member states to preserve and advance NAM’s principled positions, uphold international law, and sustain diplomatic efforts aimed at realizing the Two-State Solution.

“We must persist in our support to end all forms of colonialism, oppression, occupation, domination, and apartheid in the occupied Palestinian territory,” he stressed, adding that increased humanitarian and technical assistance is needed to rebuild Palestinian institutions and lay the groundwork for full independence.

On the economic front, the Foreign Affairs Minister called for renewed efforts to strengthen South–South cooperation as a pathway to sustainable development and economic self-reliance among developing nations. He highlighted persistent challenges such as limited access to financing, restrictive global trade systems, and widening technological gaps that continue to hinder growth in the Global South.

“We must prioritize industrialization, innovation, and structural transformation to drive sustainable development,” Gen. Odongo said. “Encouragingly, the geography of global trade is shifting in our favour, with South–South trade having grown from US$0.6 trillion in 1995 to US$5.6 trillion in 2023.”

He urged NAM members to take advantage of this momentum by strengthening interregional cooperation among Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to unlock new avenues for economic growth and mutual benefit.

Concluding his address, Gen. Odongo appealed for a spirit of cooperation and constructive engagement among delegates as they deliberate on the outcome documents of the midterm meeting.

“Let our discussions reflect the urgency of our time and the pressing need for coordinated action,” he urged. “Only by working together, with purpose and solidarity, can we achieve meaningful results for our peoples and future generations.”

The Senior Officials’ Meeting marks the start of the XIX Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, which brings together representatives from NAM member states to assess progress since the 19th Summit and chart the way forward for the Movement under Uganda’s chairmanship.