Museveni Calls for Stronger Global Cooperation at 19th NAM Ministerial Meeting
By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
Kampala, Uganda — Uganda has hosted the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at the Speke Resort Hotel, Munyonyo, under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” The meeting forms part of the NAM Midterm Review, which brings together ministers, diplomats, and representatives from over 120 member states to assess progress and strengthen multilateral collaboration on pressing global issues.
On Day 3 of the summit, Uganda’s President and NAM Chairperson, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, arrived in the afternoon to a warm welcome from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Jeje Odongo, and other high-level delegates. The President’s arrival marked a significant moment in the ongoing discussions on global equity, South-South cooperation, and resilience in the face of shared global challenges.
In his address as Chairman of NAM, President Museveni expressed gratitude to the member states for their strong turnout and for entrusting Uganda with the responsibility of hosting and leading the Non-Aligned Movement during this period. He emphasized the importance of collective problem-solving and innovation in confronting global crises.
“Humanity has always faced operations of man by nature floods, droughts, diseases, earthquakes, and hunger,” President Museveni noted. “But man has continuously found solutions to these problems. This is why cooperation and shared knowledge are vital to our collective survival and prosperity.
Drawing on global economic examples, Museveni pointed to China’s transformation as an illustration of how industrial growth and innovation can uplift entire regions. He highlighted how such changes have direct implications on global trade, particularly in sectors like the steel industry, where prices have risen from USD 200 to USD 900 per ton, affecting economies like Uganda’s.
The President further underscored the importance of purchasing power and economic transformation, stating that sustainable business cannot thrive without addressing income disparities.
“You can’t talk about business without talking about purchasing power,” he remarked. “Africa’s GDP is about USD 4 trillion, which is still a very small number compared to other regions. We need to grow this through industrialization, trade, and cooperation.”
Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the principles of non-alignment, mutual respect, and collective development, praising NAM for maintaining its relevance in today’s rapidly changing world.
“I salute the Non-Aligned Movement for remaining steadfast. Our cooperation must now evolve beyond political solidarity to economic transformation that benefits our people,” he concluded.
The 19th Ministerial Meeting continues to focus on strengthening the movement’s position on key global issues including climate change, trade equity, sustainable development, and reform of international institutions to ensure a fairer global order.
Founded in 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement remains the world’s largest grouping of countries outside formal power blocs, representing over 55% of the global population. Uganda assumed the chairmanship of NAM in January 2024, reaffirming its role as a key voice for the Global South.