As the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Conference unfolds in Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, General Jeje Odongo, kick-started the senior officials meeting with a fervent call for solidarity among member states.

Addressing more than 300 delegates from 93 countries at the Speke Resort Convention Center, General Odongo highlighted the need for collective responses to future global challenges.

General Odongo stressed the importance of solidarity and collaboration to address a spectrum of global challenges, including armed conflicts, food insecurity, migration, health pandemics, global conflicts, and climate change.

His call for unity echoes a collective effort to find comprehensive solutions to these shared concerns.

General Jeje asserted,”Solidarity and collaboration are paramount in responding to global challenges that transcend borders and impact us all.”

Recognizing the significant burden of debt among global south countries, General Odongo urged delegates to reassess models of financing for development.

Seeking innovative solutions to tackle the looming debt burden became a focal point in the discussions.

General Jeje stated, “Debt remains a big burden amongst the global south countries. We need to rethink models of financing for development and find sustainable solutions to deal with the debt burden.”

During the senior officials meeting, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, was nominated and elected as the chairman.

Ambassador Ayebare called on NAM member countries to support Uganda as it assumes the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, a position previously held by Azerbaijan.

Ayebare emphasized,”We call on our fellow NAM member countries to support Uganda as we take on the responsibility of chairing this crucial movement.”

Delegates were later ushered into breakaway sessions in two committees:

The Political Committee and the Economic and Social Committee. The senior officials meeting served as a preparatory session for the NAM Summit of Heads of State scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

The conference is set to continue until January 20, focusing on the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”

As the discussions unfold, the world watches as NAM member states collaborate to navigate the complex web of challenges, fostering a shared commitment to global prosperity and cooperation.