Context:

• This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Asia-Africa Summit held in Bandung, Indonesia (April 18–24, 1955).
• This historical meeting of 29 newly independent Asian and African nations, set the stage for South-South cooperation and laid the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
• The relevance of the Bandung principles is critical in today’s geopolitical environment - rising global polarisation, erosion of multilateralism, and challenges to the rules-based international order.

Bandung’s Core Principles and Objectives:

• Anti-colonial solidarity: Shared experiences of colonial exploitation and marginalisation.
• Common goals:
  • Principles of sovereignty and independent policy making.
  • Collective action in the global south.
• Key principles adopted:
  • Political independence.
  • Mutual respect for sovereignty.
  • Non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs.
• Alignment with UN charter: Commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in UN principles.

South Africa’s Role and Anti-Apartheid Advocacy:

• Strategic use of Bandung: Brought global attention to the oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa that governed the country through White minority rule.
• The African National Congress (ANC) delegation:
  • The ANC was the foremost liberation organisation championing the freedom of the country both within and internationally.
  • It sent two delegates to the conference (Moses Kotane and Maulvi Chachalia) to lobby support internationally for South Africa’s freedom struggle.

Challenges to the Multilateral World Order:

• Erosion of multilateralism:
  • Rise of polarisation and trust deficit among major powers.
  • Emergence of “might is right” as a guiding principle.
• UN reform crisis:
  • Paralysis of institutions like the UN Security Council.
  • Stalled negotiations on equitable representation and expansion of UNSC membership.
• PM Narendra Modi’s critique: Described international organisations as "irrelevant" due to lack of reform.

The Global South - Then and Now:

• Initial marginalisation: Absence during UN’s formation in 1945; continued exclusion from global decision-making bodies.
• Bandung legacy:
  • Precursor of the NAM (1961) and G77 (1964).
  • Advocated collective aspirations and a multipolar world.
• Contemporary relevance and role:
  • Emerging powers: Rise of China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa.
  • South-south institutions: Formation of BRICS as a counterweight to Global North’s dominance.
  • Strategic imperative:
    • Forge new partnerships and alliances.
    • Collaborate with like-minded Global North nations.
    • Champion an inclusive, equitable, just global order.

Conclusion - Bandung’s Vision in Today’s Context:

• The Bandung spirit remains a guiding force for the Global South.
• The need to reshape multilateralism and redefine global governance is urgent.
• Global South must take proactive leadership to realise a fair and multipolar world - “The architects of Bandung would expect nothing less.”