Uganda to Host 19th NAM Summit 2024

Context: This editorial is based on the news “India to pitch for Global South & Africa outreach as Jaishankar takes part in 19th NAM Summit in Uganda” which was published in the Economic Times. India may pitch for Global South & Africa outreach as the External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India takes part in the 19th NAM Summit in Uganda. 

• Uganda will be the chair of the NAM grouping during 2024-2027.

About 19th NAM Summit 2024

• Dr S Jaishankar to represent India at 19th NAM Summit in Kampala, Uganda.
• 19th NAM Summit 2024 is scheduled from January 17 to 20, 2024.
• Further, Uganda to host Third South Summits and G77 meeting from January 21 to 23

About NAM (Non-Aligned Movement)

• Context and Concept: Shri V K Menon coined the term “non-alignment” during his 1953 United Nations speech. 
  • Indian PM Jawahar Lal Nehru incorporated it in his 1954 Colombo speech, outlining the Panchsheel, which subsequently formed the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The Historical Roots of NAM: Its Origin

• Origin: The basic concept for the group originated in 1955 during discussions that took place at the Afro-Asian Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia. 
  • The first summit of NAM took place in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961. 

Basis & Focus of NAM

• Basis: The concept was based on the Third World desire not to become involved in the East-West ideological confrontation of the Cold War. 
• Focus: Third world wanted to focus on national independence struggles, the alleviation of poverty, and economic development. 

Member Countries & Observers of NAM

• Member Countries: 53 countries from Africa, 40 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and one from Europe (Belarus). 
• Observers: There are 18 countries and 10 international organizations. 

India and NAM 

• Founding Member: India is one of the founding members of the NAM and hosted the 7th NAM Summit in 1983 in New Delhi. 
• Utility of NAM for India: It has provided a high profile and strong voice to India in international fora and affairs. India can leverage it to emerge as a leader of the Global South. 
  • India’s Presidency of the G20 in 2023 has made the concerns of the Global South placed at the forefront of the G20 Leaders Agenda.

Current Relevance of NAM

• Utility of NAM in the World Order: Given that more than half of the world still suffers from the issues relevant to NAM, it can be helpful in the following areas:
  • Restructure and democratize international organizations such as the UN, IMF, etc. 
  • Foster Cooperation in the areas of food cooperation, population, trade and investment.
  • Ensure equitable international flow of trade and transfer of technology. 
• Enhance South-South Cooperation: As common problems are faced by the Global South such as foreign debt and poverty are identified as priority areas. 
• Ensuring Access to 4Fs to the Developing World: In ensuring availability of Food, Finance, Fuel and Fertilizers to the developing world with certainty, transparency, and equity.
• Coordinated, Inclusive and Equitable Response by the World to Crisis: NAM can promote international solidarity in the fight against the global crisis.
• Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes: NAM serves as a platform for negotiating and peacefully resolving disputes between developed and developing countries on various topics. 
• Platform for Deliberation: It provides a forum to meet and deliberate with each other on issues of bilateral, regional, and international concern. 

Challenges Associated with NAM

• Losing Relevance: NAM is not so relevant to India today as India’s key national interest is to become one of the central pillars of global politics. Since the cold war has ended the purpose of NAM no longer exists, so even the NAM should cease to exist.  
• Tool for Pushing Agenda: NAM has been criticized for sometimes being misused as a tool by member states to advance their individual agendas.  
• Toothless Organization: NAM is not in a position to act even displaying solidarity. The NAM has no charter and no strict rules. 

Way Forward 

• Tackling Rising Inequality: As per Oxfam Report, the richest 1% of the world population today holds more than 70% of global wealth. In the backdrop of rising inequalities, NAM is more necessary today. 
  • NAM provides a platform for developing nations to collectively address economic disparities, promoting a more balanced and inclusive global order.
• Enlarging NAM’s Area of Interests: To be able to continue to have an impact on global politics, NAM urgently needs fresh topics and themes to concentrate on. 
  • NAM’s spectrum could be enlarged with many worldwide issues like greenhouse gas emissions, health concerns specially AIDS, drug trafficking, etc. 
• India and NAM: India remains committed to the principles and objectives of the Non Aligned Movement, including the long-standing solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause.