President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has traveled to Kampala, Uganda to participate in the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit. This two-day summit, held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” serves as the highest decision-making body of the NAM.
Additionally, the summit marks the official rotation of the NAM Chair to the Head of State of the host country, with Uganda assuming the position for the next three years (2024-2027) from Azerbaijan.
The Government of Uganda has identified five focus areas and priority goals for its Chairship, which include regional and international peace and security, the international fight against terrorism, international migration and humanitarian crises, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, as well as Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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These areas reflect Uganda’s commitment to addressing critical global challenges and promoting cooperation among NAM member states. Comprising 120 member states, the NAM is the largest grouping of countries outside of the United Nations.
This moves a significant player in global and multilateral affairs. Since its establishment in 1961, the NAM has played a crucial role in representing the interests of developing countries, particularly in the eradication of colonialism, supporting struggles for liberation and self-determination, the pursuit of world peace, and the quest for a more equitable and just global order.
During the NAM Summit, several important documents are expected to be adopted, including the Final Outcome Document, the Kampala Declaration, and the NAM Ministerial Declaration on Palestine. These documents will serve as a roadmap for addressing key issues and promoting cooperation among member states.
Following the conclusion of the NAM Summit, President Ramaphosa, accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, will also attend the Group of 77 (G77) Third South Summit, also to be held in Uganda.
The theme of this summit is “Leaving No One Behind,” and it aims to enhance South-South cooperation in various areas such as trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and the digital economy.
The Group of 77 plus China is the largest negotiating bloc of developing countries within the United Nations. It provides a platform for countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and strengthen their negotiating capacity on major international economic issues.
South-South cooperation remains essential for the economic independence of developing countries, complementing North-South cooperation. South Africa’s participation in the G77 reflects its commitment to a fair and equitable multilateral system and the advancement of the South’s interests.
President Ramaphosa’s attendance at both the NAM and G77 Summits underscores South Africa’s active engagement in global and regional affairs. These platforms provide opportunities for South Africa to contribute to important discussions, strengthen partnerships, and advance the country’s interests within the international community.
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