PM urges global unity, cooperation at Non-Aligned Movement Summit

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday delivered a stirring call for strengthened cooperation among member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), during its 19th Summit of Heads of States and Government in Uganda.
Highlighting the theme of the summit: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”, as a driving force to face the current global challenges which have impacted most countries in the world, the Prime Minister said, “Our countries are still recovering from the profound and lasting impacts of the pandemic on our economies and societies.”
These issues, PM Phillips said, are “further compounded by the devastating impacts of climate change, the proliferation of conflicts, shifts in the global economic dynamics, and growing cybersecurity threats enabled by artificial intelligence, to name but a few”.
He has urged the NAM to remain committed to its principles, while emphasising the importance of cooperation in mitigating the challenges.
“The Non-Aligned Movement must stand as a principled advocate for effective multilateralism in tackling the pressing issues of our time. In keeping with the UN Charter and the Bandung Principles, we must work tirelessly to help turn the global tide towards peace, freedom, and sustainable human progress, underpinned by a more just and inclusive international order.”

Guyana’s priorities
Prime Minister Phillips also outlined Guyana’s national priorities, which encompass long-term sustainable development, and spoke of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, its leadership of Caricom’s 25 by 2025 food security initiative, and its pursuit of over 80% renewable energy by the end of the decade.
This, he underscored, positions Guyana as a willing partner for the advancement of climate action, food security, and sustainable development — major themes underpinning the summit’s focus.
“Guyana stands ready as a partner in global climate action. Through our Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, our Government is working to protect its forests, biodiversity and watersheds, and promote clean energy and climate adaptation in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he declared.
He explained that, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Guyana is focused on international peace, especially when it comes to the adherence of international law and the settlement of disputes between states. Guyana, he reaffirmed, is committed to the values, principles and purposes of the Non-Aligned Movement.
“Guyana underscores the critical importance of adherence to the rule of international law, political self-determination, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These principles must continue to guide our continued engagement and cooperation in the quest for peace and prosperity for all our peoples,” he declared.
Prime Minister Phillips also congratulated Uganda on assuming the Chair of the NAM, and expressed confidence in that African country’s leadership.
The two-day summit, which continues tomorrow, is taking place in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.
The Non-Aligned Movement is a forum of 120 countries that are neither formally aligned with, nor are against, any major power bloc.