60th anniversary of the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement
Recently, a high-level meeting has been organized in Belgrade (Serbia) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
The Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture addressed the high level meeting to mark the 60th anniversary of the First Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The NAM was formed during the freedom struggles of Africa, Asia and Latin America and during the height of the Cold War.
The basic idea behind its formation was to declare itself “non-aligned” from the two newly formed military blocs (NATO and the Warsaw Pact).
An important role in this process was played by the then Miss, the heads of government of Ghana, India, Indonesia and Yugoslavia, who later became the founders of the movement.
The “Ten Principles of Bandung” announced during the Bandung Asian-African Conference (April 1955) were later adopted as the main goals of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The movement was established on a broad geographical basis at the first summit in Belgrade held in 1961.
Significantly, after the end of the Cold War, the movement lost its relevance. But during the Havana Summit (2008), member states reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals, principles and objectives (in line with the United Nations Charter) on which the movement was founded.
The movement consists of 120 members and 17 observer countries.
Source – The Hindu
