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Roundtable Discussion “Non-Aligned Movement: Its Roles and Relevance in Today’s World”
Cairo, November 22, 2023 - A roundtable discussion entitled “Non-Aligned Movement: Its Roles and Relevance in Today’s World” was held and attended by the Egyptian Youth Council (EYC), the Indonesian Embassy of Cairo, and other relevant stakeholders. The meeting was also attended by Abdel al-Hamid, son of Gamal Abdel Nasser, former president of Egypt, who started the discussion with an opening speech.
Echoing the fundamental principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the discussion primarily focused itself on the crucial role between revitalizing South-South cooperation to initiate better grounded and concrete relations. This was further emphasized by HE. Darmansjah Djumala, Dewan Pakar Badan Pembinaan Ideologi Pancasila (BPIP) of Strategic Foreign Relations of Indonesia, as he pertained to recognizing the relevance of the NAM in today’s developing world.
Dr. Djumala–also a former Ambassador of Indonesia to Austria, had stated that NAM can be applied in two perspectives. First, the perseverance of NAM values inspired by Bandung's Ten Principles of independence, non-agression, non-interference, and on-colonialism spirit. Second, the understanding of factors hindering programs of South-South cooperation, especially seeing the patterns of international political interactions between actors, institutions, issues, and motives. Dr. Djumala further emphasizes the imbalances of influence, power, and wealth that have been asserted towards weaker countries by stronger powers.
Following this idea, former Foreign Minister of Egypt, Mohamed Orabi presents his idea on the need to foster for a cohesive collaboration, especially acknowledging the incomplete adherence to NAM principles among certain member states and the deficiency of effective leadership within NAM itself. He encourages activeness in addressing the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development through more modernized strategies for better advancements in peace, security, sustainability, and holistic development.
HE. Diar Nurbintoro, as the director of NAM CSSTC, supports the two speakers and additionally mentions the role of the organization as a pivotal role to foster for better technical cooperation in building sustainable development among member states. He elaborates the alignment of NAM CSSTC’s vision and mission towards the fundamental NAM principles, and encourages member states to engage in collaboration through capacity building programs.
The discussion is then finalized with a critical question and answer dialogue with the audience. Ultimately, it is concluded that NAM member states are in need of better synergy and especially in this conference, Indonesia and Egypt are imperatively urged to maintain the relevance of NAM in this evolving world.
(Chrystle Feodore Manlee).
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