Belgrade was, is and will remain the proud host for every human being who carries peace in himself. Photo: Prensa Latina
By María Josefina Arce
In Belgrade, capital of Serbia, a summit is taking place commemorating the 60th anniversary of the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), an essential movement in an increasingly dangerous international scenario, in which peace and stability are threatened and an unjust economic order prevails.
Belgrade was, is and will continue to be the proud host for every human being who carries peace in himself, emphasized Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia.
It was in that city, then capital of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was born sixty years ago, making the least developed nations, victims of centuries of colonialism, an equal partner on the world stage.
From that moment on, the voice of the poorest people, who have found in the NAM a space for political coordination in favor of their rights, would be heard in the various international forums.
Throughout six decades, the Movement has contributed to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, in favor of nuclear disarmament, peace and a new international economic order.
This forum, which went through difficult times after the demise of the socialist camp in the 1990s, has demonstrated its ability to adapt, revitalize itself and always represent the interests of the poorest, work to alleviate poverty and promote socio-economic development.
In fact, at times when the legitimate right to development is further limited in some nations by the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, the NAM has stood by these peoples and accompanied their struggle for the end of these actions contrary to international law.
Moreover, solidarity and cooperation is one of its principles, which in the midst of COVID 19 was intensified to confront the pandemic. To this end, the NAM Task Force was created to develop a database that includes the basic humanitarian and medical needs and requirements of member states.
The Movement is an example of the participatory and unprivileged dynamics that should prevail in the world. Each country counts, its opinions are valid, listened to, respected even if they differ from others, which ensures that each state is involved in decision making.
In an increasingly unjust and unequal world, the Non-Aligned Movement is necessary, it is called to continue its struggle for the rights of the most humble. It is a voice that cannot be ignored or silenced.
