Non-Aligned Movement

  • Acronym: NAM
  • Type: Intergovernmental Organization
  • Membership: 120 member states, 17 observer states and organizations
  • Establishment: Established on 1 September 1961
  • Official Language(s): English
  • Headquarters: No permanent headquarters, the administration is coordinated by the country that holds the Chair.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an international organization uniting 120 countries that consider themselves not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. Formed during the Cold War as an organization of states that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union, it has since grown to become a forum of cooperation for countries that have chosen not to be identified with any major power bloc.

Non-Aligned Movement History

The NAM was established in 1961 at the Belgrade Conference. It was initiated by Yugoslavia’s President Josip Broz Tito, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt’s second President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghana‘s first president Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesia‘s first President Sukarno. These leaders stressed the need for an alternative path for countries in the developing world, a path that would not align these countries with any bloc but would focus on universal peace and cooperation.

Non-Aligned Movement Structure

The NAM does not have a formal structure like other international organizations due to its unique nature. However, it has established a Coordinating Bureau, a Chair that rotates between member countries every three years, a Summit Conference of Heads of State or Government, a Ministerial Conference, and a variety of specialized committees and working groups.

Non-Aligned Movement Membership

Membership is based on the respect for the principles outlined in the Havana Declaration of 1979, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality of all nations, non-intervention or non-interference into internal affairs of another country, and the recognition of the movements for national independence. The NAM consists of 120 member states and 17 observer countries and organizations.

Non-Aligned Movement Objectives

Political Self-Determination

The NAM promotes the political self-determination, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries.

Non-Alignment

One of the core objectives is to ensure that member states do not become pawns in the struggles between the major powers but pursue a policy of non-alignment.

Economic Cooperation

The NAM emphasizes economic cooperation among member states and advocates for the development of economic interactions with the rest of the world based on equality and mutual benefit.

Non-Aligned Movement Funding

Funding for the NAM’s activities and initiatives mainly comes from contributions made by its member states. The contribution mechanism is determined by the economic capabilities of member countries.

Non-Aligned Movement Projects

Given its nature, the NAM focuses more on policy-level interventions, multilateral negotiations, and advocacy rather than specific projects. Its activities are centered around promoting its key objectives and principles in various international forums.

Non-Aligned Movement Members

Member States

Observer States and Organizations

A number of states and organizations have observer status, enabling them to participate in the activities of the NAM without being full members.

The Non-Aligned Movement continues to be an influential coalition in the international community. It serves as a powerful voice for its member states, advocating for their interests and promoting peace, sovereignty, and cooperation in international relations. Despite the changing dynamics of global politics, the principles and objectives of the NAM remain as relevant as ever.

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