By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Sept 01, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has called for strengthening coordination among member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and translating their shared principles into practical action.
Speaking at the 65th Anniversary Conference of NAM in Belgrade, Serbia, President Mahama said as they confront challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, digital inequality, and widening development gaps, NAM must remain a united voice for peace, sovereignty, sustainable development, and a more just and equitable world.
He reiterated that they must move from declarations to actions.
President Mahama recalled that at the first Conference of the Heads of State and Governments of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade on 1 September, 1961, President Josip Broz Tito said, “the Non-Aligned countries can no longer reconcile themselves with the status of observers and voters, and that, in their opinion, they have the right to participate in the solving of problems, particularly those which endanger the peace and the fate of the world at this present moment”.
President Mahama said here they were 65 years later and that this profound assertion remains very relevant.
He said the Movement’s strength should be measured not only by their numbers, but by their ability to translate its collective weight into coordinated diplomacy and practical outcomes.
“We must strengthen consultation and coordination among member states, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral institutions where our interests converge,” President Mahama said.
“We should therefore strengthen follow-up decisions of our summits and ministerial conferences and focus on strategic priorities where the movement can have meaningful impact.”
He reiterated that their communication should serve as a basis for coordinated diplomatic action and the credibility of their movement.
He said the current international environment calls for a multilateral system that was stronger and more representative and more responsive to the realities of their time.
President Mahama said the legitimacy of the international order depends in no small measure on whether its institutions reflect the diversity of the international community and give all states a meaningful voice in decision-making.
President Mahama said Ghana’s recent experience demonstrates what could be achieved when their act together.
He noted that on 25 March 2026, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution ARES-80-250, led by Ghana and strongly supported by the African Union, condemning the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized system of chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
This resolution, he said, received 123 votes in favour.
President Mahama on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, expressed their sincere appreciation to fellow members of the Non-Aligned Movement for the strong support Ghana and Africa enjoyed on this historic occasion.
“Your solidarity affirmed the value of collective action and demonstrated what we can achieve when we come together in pursuit of justice and a shared sense of historical truth.”
Adding that the credibility of the international system was tested more severely when human suffering was met with silence, selectivity, or indifference.
President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to working with all members of the Non-Aligned Movement to strengthen multilateralism, advance a fairer international order and ensure the voice of the Global South carries greater weight.
“As we look to the future, our direction remains clear. Neither East nor West, but forward together,” he stated.
“With principle, purpose and confidence, let us renew the spirit of Belgrade and translate our collective strength into practical action for the benefits of our people.”
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
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