PH calls for ‘new thinking’ in non-aligned movement

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has called in a paradigm shift for the 119-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), stressing the need to “replace the old dogma of national liberation with a commitment to democracy and good governance.”

The call was made in Bali, Indonesia, which hosted the 16th NAM Ministerial Conference and commemorative meeting on the 50th anniversary of the organization.

Foreign Undersecretary for Special Concerns Jose Brillantes, head of the Philippine delegation to the May 25-27 conference, emphasized that “while we must cherish our past and rededicate ourselves to our principles, we must also broaden the horizons of our movement.”

In his remarks, Brillantes pointed out that “the driving force that brought us together 50 years ago was the fight for national freedom, not individual freedom.”

“Today, democracy and good governance are as imperative as our historic fight against colonialism,” he said.

Underscoring greater cooperation between and among NAM members, Brillantes also identified “concerns of key importance to the movement,” including migrant workers’ rights, the scourge of nuclear weapons and the United Nations’ central role in global peace and security.

Later in a statement, Brillantes said, “Adherence to democracy and the institutionalization of good governance will help create the enabling environment that will allow nations and peoples to participate actively and share in the fruits of sustained global peace, progress and prosperity.”

“The Philippines under President Aquino is fully committed to democratic values and good governance, and we will do our outmost to work with our partners in NAM, at the UN and other international and regional fora, to ensure that the horizons of democracy are broadened and that good governance serves as the framework for success,” he said.

Founded in 1961, NAM groups countries which consider themselves not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

In its 1979 Havana Declaration, the movement said it aims to ensure the “national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference, as well as against great power and bloc politics.”

In March 2010, the Philippines hosted the Special NAM Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development, where more than 120 delegates signed the Manila Declaration calling for respect for cultural and religious diversity and the promotion of tolerance and interfaith dialogues.

Under the 24-point declaration, NAM member-countries reaffirmed that “dialogue among cultures, civilizations and religions should be a durable process, and that it is not an option but a must in promoting economic and social development, peace and security, and human rights.”