Dr Mwinyi urges NAM unity on global interests

BELGRADE: ZANZIBAR President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has called on member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to unite their voices and positions in order to increase their influence in global decision-making and defend the interests of developing countries.

Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia, while delivering a speech on behalf of Tanzania’s President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, at a special high-level meeting marking 65 years since the first NAM Heads of State and Government Conference.

He said the principles upon which NAM was founded in 1961 remain relevant in today’s world, stressing that non-alignment does not mean having no position.

Rather, he said, it means preserving the freedom of states to make decisions based on their national interests while protecting their sovereignty and independence.

Dr Mwinyi stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue, mediation and confidence-building, while also addressing the root causes of conflicts arising from injustice, inequality and exclusion.

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He also called for reforms to the United Nations system, including the UN Security Council, as well as international financial institutions, to enhance representation and transparency and better reflect the needs of developing countries.

He said Africa deserves greater and fairer representation in global decision-making processes.

Dr Mwinyi further emphasised the importance of strengthening South-South cooperation and collaboration between NAM and BRICS, particularly in development financing and reforms to the global governance system, without compromising the principles and identity of NAM.

He said Tanzania would continue supporting a united and effective NAM capable of addressing contemporary global challenges by promoting peace, the right to development, South-South cooperation and a more equitable international system based on fair representation.

The meeting, held under the theme “The Legacy of Non-Alignment: Lessons for Today’s World,” was officially opened by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and attended by senior government leaders from various countries.