The Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77: South-South Cooperation in Multilateral Diplomacy
17th January 2024
Kampala, Uganda – South-South cooperation, characterized by mutual respect, equality, and the exchange of knowledge and resources among nations of the Global South, has emerged as a cornerstone of diplomatic initiatives aimed at enhancing socio-economic development, poverty eradication, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Commonwealth of The Bahamas firmly believes that this collaborative approach is indispensable in navigating the complex global landscape and addressing the unique needs and aspirations of developing nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a team in Uganda who are engaged in technical meetings in advance of the Summit. Director General Jerusa Ali said: ‘We have been warmly welcomed by Ugandan officials including Ambassador Adonia Ayebare and Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa. We are one of four CARICOM countries represented here—we join Guyana, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—on equal footing with NAM members. We are here to work in solidarity.’ Over 1500 representatives from 120 developing nations are in Kampala discussing political, economic and social issues such as: climate change, global conflict, human rights, food security, health, energy and inclusive multilateralism.
Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis will join over 25 heads of state from four regions for the Heads Summit on Friday 19th January 2024. The Honourable Minister Alfred Sears and the Honourable Minister Mitchell will accompany him to the NAM and G77 Summits respectively. Minister Mitchell has arranged to meet with delegates to begin drumming up support for The Bahamas’ Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council candidature in 2032. The Council suffers from a lack of equitable representation and is in urgent need of structural reform so that it can respond effectively to crises in the Global South.
Within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, The Bahamas continues to actively engage with like-minded nations to promote principles of peace, justice, and equality. As a member of NAM since 1983, The Bahamas is dedicated to upholding the tenets of the movement, emphasizing the importance of non-alignment, sovereignty, and independence. Through South-South cooperation, The Bahamas seeks to strengthen its diplomatic ties and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of collective peace and prosperity.
Similarly, as a member of the Group of 77 since 1976, The Bahamas advocates for the interests of developing countries in international forums, working collaboratively to address global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and sustainable development. The Bahamas recognizes that South-South cooperation plays a pivotal role in fostering unity and amplifying the collective voice of developing nations of the G77, thereby enhancing their influence at the United Nations and other multilateral fora.
In the spirit of solidarity with the host country Uganda, The Bahamas encourages all member states of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 to intensify their efforts in promoting South-South cooperation under the themes “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence” and “Leaving No One Behind”.
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