Kampala NAM Meeting Ends with Call for Global South Unity and Economic Transformation
Ministers from over 100 countries wrapped up the 19th NAM Midterm Ministerial Meeting in Kampala, adopting the Kampala Declaration that prioritizes industrialization, multilateral reform, and solidarity with Palestine.
The curtains have closed on the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Midterm Ministerial Meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, where delegates from more than 100 member states reaffirmed the movement’s vision of shared prosperity, peaceful coexistence, and reform of global governance systems.
Held from October 13–16, 2025, the meeting ran under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” It was Uganda’s first major NAM engagement since assuming the chairmanship in January 2024.
Museveni: “Mutual Prosperity, Not Dominance”
Opening the conference, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on the Global South to focus on “mutually beneficial cooperation” through industrialization, trade, and investment rather than dependency or ideological confrontation.
“We must demonstrate through example that shared development — not domination — is the way forward,” Museveni said, urging NAM countries to champion practical cooperation in energy, agriculture, and technology.
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo, who chaired the sessions, said the Kampala meeting was a chance to “retool NAM for action.” He emphasized the movement’s enduring principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Solidarity with Palestine Dominates Debate
The ongoing conflict in Gaza featured prominently in the Kampala discussions. The ministers collectively reaffirmed NAM’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the continued humanitarian crisis and urging for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
The adopted Kampala Declaration renewed NAM’s support for the two-state solution, calling for full recognition of Palestine within pre-1967 borders and an end to all acts of aggression and blockade.
Several countries — including Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba — pressed for stronger language against unilateral sanctions and external coercive measures that exacerbate suffering in conflict zones.
Focus on Economic Transformation
Beyond politics, the meeting underscored the economic transformation agenda that Museveni and Uganda’s chairmanship are championing. The Declaration prioritized:
Industrialization & Trade: Facilitating intra-NAM trade and value addition to raw materials.
Technology Transfer: Cooperation in ICT, digital innovation, and capacity-building.
Climate Action: Mobilizing financing for climate resilience and adaptation projects.
Debt Relief: Advocating fairer debt frameworks for developing economies.
Global Reform: Democratizing UN, IMF, and World Bank systems to better represent developing nations.
Minister Odongo said the focus on economics was deliberate.
“NAM must go beyond rhetoric. The Kampala spirit should deliver results that our people can feel — jobs, infrastructure, and innovation,” he said.
Regional Diplomacy and Bilateral Meetings
The summit also facilitated a flurry of bilateral engagements.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met President Museveni, conveying Prime Minister Modi’s greetings and pledging deeper trade and technology cooperation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Tunisia’s delegation discussed strengthening South–South partnerships on NAM sidelines.
Several African and Asian nations held sessions on joint projects in renewable energy and health.
On the social side, visiting delegations participated in cultural and environmental events, including India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree-planting drive at Kampala’s Swaminarayan Temple.
Uganda’s Diplomatic Win
Hosting the midterm review reinforced Uganda’s growing stature in global diplomacy. It showcased Kampala’s logistical capacity and hospitality while placing the country at the heart of South–South cooperation.
Uganda continues to serve as NAM Chair (2024–2027), meaning it will lead implementation of the Kampala Declaration and prepare for the next full Summit in 2027.
“We have revived the spirit of Bandung — independence, equality, and cooperation,” Museveni said in his closing remarks. “But we must now turn that spirit into tangible development.”
What Comes Next
The meeting’s resolutions will be followed by technical committees that will translate the Declaration into actionable programs — focusing on economic partnerships, youth innovation, and climate financing.
Observers say Kampala’s biggest challenge now will be ensuring implementation. As the Movement enters a multipolar era, NAM’s effectiveness will depend on whether it can produce results, not just declarations.
Still, for Uganda and the Global South, the Kampala meeting marked a significant step toward renewing NAM’s relevance.
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