MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has expressed support for the Non-Aligned Movement’s (NAM) concern over the “dire humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.
The NAM is an international organization of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, the Philippines also endorses the NAM’s call for heightened support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“Geopolitical dynamics and rivalries further complicate our quest for consensus. Now, as ever, the world needs our Movement to be a ballast for global politics — a credible and conscientious middle ground that balances humanity’s common ship amidst such difficulties,” Manalo said in his speech during NAM’s 19th Summit held in Kampala, Uganda.
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Manalo also highlighted that the movement must “revitalize” itself across three fronts.
“First, NAM must consolidate its core as a Movement of developing countries, by developing countries, and for developing countries,” he said.
“We need to apply NAM principles and rules consistently. Solidarity in truth calls on us to call out aggression, subversion, domination, and any violation of the rule of law, regardless of its perpetrator,” Manalo added.
Furthermore, NAM must also “consciously focus on and take action on common global challenges” such as climate change.
Manalo stressed that climate justice is a common ground of “highest urgency” among countries.
“The Philippines welcomes the decision at the COP28 on the Loss and Damage Fund and would like to sustain advocacy and engagement on this issue by hosting the Loss and Damage Fund Board. We will host the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Resilience this year in Manila,” he said.
Lastly, the official said that NAM must again claim its role as a “champion of an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice.”
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