Write a brief note on the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela.

Context and Preparations

The 17th Summit was preceded by preparatory meetings at the senior officials and ministerial levels. Venezuela assumed the chairmanship of NAM from Iran, which had held the position for three years. The summit’s theme, “Political Independence, Peaceful Coexistence and Cooperation,” reflected NAM’s core principles and its commitment to a more just and equitable world order.

Key Discussions

The summit agenda encompassed a wide range of issues, including:

• Peace and Security: Discussions centered on conflicts in the Middle East (Syria, Yemen, Palestine), Africa (Libya, South Sudan), and other regions. NAM members reiterated their commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and condemned terrorism in all its forms.
• Economic Development: The summit addressed issues of sustainable development, poverty eradication, and the need for a more equitable global economic system. Concerns were raised about the impact of climate change on developing countries and the need for increased financial assistance.
• International Law and Multilateralism: NAM members emphasized the importance of upholding international law and strengthening the role of the United Nations. They criticized unilateral actions and advocated for a more democratic and representative international order.
• Reform of the UN Security Council: A key demand was the reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative of the global community, particularly with increased representation from developing countries.

Outcomes and Declarations

The summit culminated in the adoption of the Margarita Declaration, which outlined NAM’s position on various global issues. Key outcomes included:

• Reaffirmation of NAM’s Principles: The declaration reaffirmed NAM’s commitment to its founding principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation.
• Call for a New International Economic Order: NAM members called for a more equitable global economic order that addresses the needs of developing countries.
• Support for the Palestinian Cause: The summit reiterated its strong support for the Palestinian cause and called for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
• Condemnation of Terrorism: NAM members condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism.
• Emphasis on Climate Change Mitigation: The declaration highlighted the urgent need to address climate change and called for increased financial and technological assistance to developing countries.

Challenges and Criticisms

The summit faced challenges, including internal divisions among NAM members on certain issues and criticisms regarding the relevance of the movement in a rapidly changing world. Some observers questioned NAM’s ability to effectively address complex global challenges given its diverse membership and limited resources.