NAM Ministerial Meeting held in Caracas, Venezuela

Ministerial meeting of Coordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Caracas, capital of Venezuela. Theme for 2019 Meet was- Promotion and Consolidation of Peace through Respect for International Law.

Since 2016 Venezuela has held the presidency of NAM which will now be passed on to Azerbaijan in October 2019.

Key Highlights

At NAM Ministerial Meeting 2019, India was represented by Indian envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin.

Issues raised by India at NAM Meet included- Climate change, Digital Technologies and Terrorism.

India highlighted that Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) needs to be re-examined and revise its methodology. It also emphasized that the grouping needs to undertake a new journey.

India also slammed Pakistan for raking up Kashmir at grouping’s ministerial meet. India held its stand that NAM never was and can never be a platform for pursuits aimed at undermining territorial integrity of a State by another State.

About Non-Aligned Movement

Background: It was established in Belgrade in 1961 during Cold War so as to unite developing countries that are not part of any collective defense pacts in interest of any major power. It was a joint initiative of former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. It was formed in wake of decolonization processes in Africa, Asia and other parts of world around values of independence, sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity.

It is forum comprising of developing states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

It is the 2nd largest international organization after United Nations (UN) with 120 member states.

Membership: 120 member states; 17 states (observers); 10 International Organisations

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019