September 1 an opportunity to recall Belgrade's historic role in establishment of NAM - MFA

BELGRADE - In commemoration of a movement that helped shape the history of the 20th century, this year, September 1 is marked for the first time as the Day of the Non-Aligned, based on a decision by the Serbian government, the Serbian MFA said on Monday.

"It is an opportunity to recall the historic role of Belgrade in the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), born out of the desire of a large number of developing countries, most of which emerged through decolonisation, to articulate an independent foreign policy and avoid alignment with either military-political bloc during the Cold War through a distinctive political alternative.

Following the Bandung Conference (Indonesia) in 1955, where the principles of peaceful coexistence were outlined, the first Conference of Heads of State and Government of 25 Non-Aligned countries was held in Belgrade from September 1 to 6, 1961.

During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement played an important role in preserving peace, easing bloc tensions, accelerating decolonisation, promoting respect for the equality and sovereignty of states, and advocating for more balanced economic and social development. Today, the Movement continues to see itself through the principles of multilateralism and as a voice of developing countries, especially within the UN," the MFA said in a post on X.

"Although since 2001 the Republic of Serbia holds observer status, it remains committed, through its diplomatic efforts, to fostering relations and cooperation with member states of the Movement," it concluded.