Philippines Calls for Revitalized Non Aligned Movement to Promote Interests of Developing Countries 

UGANDA 22 January 2024 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo affirmed Philippine support for the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) and called for its revitalization at the 19th NAM Summit being  held in Kampala, Uganda on 19-20 January 2024. 

Speaking before Ugandan President H.E. Yoweri Museveni and other Leaders of NAM  Member States, Secretary Manalo stressed that NAM should redouble efforts to promote  the interests of developing countries in confronting global challenges. 

“NAM must consolidate its core as a Movement of developing countries, by developing  countries, and for developing countries,” Secretary Manalo said. 

The Secretary also called on the Movement to apply its principles and rules consistently,  to address the concerns of Member States, including the Association of Southeast Asian  Nations (ASEAN).  

“Our Movement has potential to grow stronger if we maintain solidarity around our  common purpose, our principles and a vision that honors our triumphs, our diversity and  shared humanity,” Manalo emphasized. 

The Philippines encouraged the NAM to focus and take action on issues that all Member  States were concerned about, such as climate change. 

The XIXth NAM Summit adopted the Kampala Declaration which acknowledged the  importance of the Loss and Damage Fund established by the recent COP28 Climate  Change Conference in Dubai. Manalo highlighted in his remarks that the Philippines has  offered to host the Secretariat of the Board of the Fund. 

He also looked forward to the support of the NAM Member States for the candidature of  the Philippines for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027- 2028. 

At the sidelines of the Summit, Secretary Manalo held bilateral meetings with the Heads  of Delegation of African and other NAM Members. 

NAM is the largest political caucus of developing nations in the UN system comprising  121 member states, 17 observer countries and 10 observer organizations.  

Secretary Manalo’s statement can be found here: https://dfa.gov.ph/speeches-and-statements/34001-statement-of-hon-enrique-a-manalo-secretary-of-foreign-affairs-on-the-xixth-summit-of-the-non-aligned-movement

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