Minister Odongo urges implementation of NAM decisions
Gen. Odongo welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to advancing the Movement’s agenda.
Foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo (left) said the midterm meeting provides an opportunity to assess progress made in implementing outcomes from the 19th NAM Summit and previous gatherings. (Courtesy photos)
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Foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo has urged member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to ensure the full implementation of decisions reached during previous summits and meetings.
Speaking at the opening of the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the 19th Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Coordinating Bureau at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, on Monday, October 13, 2025, Gen. Odongo welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to advancing the Movement’s agenda.
“It is my distinct honour and pleasure to welcome you once again to the beautiful city of Kampala, nearly two years since we hosted the historic 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in January last year, under the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,’” he said.
Gen. Odongo said the midterm meeting provides an opportunity to assess progress made in implementing outcomes from the 19th NAM Summit and previous gatherings.
“As Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement Coordinating Bureau, Uganda remains steadfast in upholding the Movement’s principled positions and in promoting the collective interests of our Member States on the global stage,” he said.
“We are fully committed to revitalising NAM, reinforcing its unity and solidarity, and ensuring that our voice continues to influence international dialogue and decision-making.”
He emphasised that the effectiveness of NAM depends on the collective effort and strong commitment of all member states.
“The implementation of our shared decisions and our ability to tackle the pressing challenges of peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and international cooperation will depend on our unity and resolve,” he said, urging delegates to engage constructively in the negotiation of the meeting’s outcome documents.
“It is only through unity, solidarity, and a common purpose that we can project a clear, strong, and coordinated voice on the issues that affect our nations in today’s increasingly complex and volatile global environment,” he added.
Palestine and NAM agenda
Gen. Odongo reaffirmed that the Question of Palestine remains at the heart of the Non-Aligned Movement’s principles.
“Our long-standing, principled positions on this matter, carefully developed over the past six decades, must be preserved, defended, and advanced,” he said.
“We must persist in our support to end all forms of colonialism, oppression, occupation, domination, and apartheid in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
He welcomed recent diplomatic efforts and ceasefire initiatives, describing them as a “momentary respite from the harrowing images of the past two years,” but urged sustained focus on humanitarian assistance and practical steps towards implementing the Two-State Solution.
“There must also be increased economic, technical, and humanitarian support to rebuild Palestinian institutions and infrastructure, laying a firm foundation for full independence,” he added.
South–South cooperation
Turning to global economic issues, the minister called for the revitalisation of South–South cooperation to address persistent barriers that developing countries face in accessing financing and fair global markets.
“The global trading system is becoming increasingly restrictive, with tariff and non-tariff barriers denying our countries a fair share of international trade,” he said.
“These challenges are compounded by the growing technological divide, which hampers our industrial development and capacity for value addition.”
Gen. Odongo highlighted the need to prioritise industrialisation, innovation, and structural transformation, noting that in 36 of the 46 Least Developed Countries, manufacturing accounts for less than 12 percent of GDP.
He cited UNCTAD figures showing that South–South trade has grown significantly from $0.6 trillion in 1995 to $5 trillion in 2017, and to $5.6 trillion by 2023.
“This trend presents new opportunities for developing countries to reduce dependency on traditional partners, enhance regional integration, and secure more favourable trade and financing terms,” he said.
However, he noted that the full potential of South–South trade remains largely untapped, as most of it occurs within Asia.
Strengthening interregional cooperation among Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, he said, will be key to unlocking new avenues for growth and mutual benefit.
“Let our discussions reflect the urgency of our time and the pressing need for coordinated action,” Gen. Odongo concluded.
“Only by working together, with purpose and solidarity, can we achieve meaningful results for our peoples and future generations.”