Asian-African Summit Commemorates 60Th Anniversary of Bandung Conference

SOUTH BULLETIN Published by the South Centre ● www.southcentre.int ● 15 May 2015, Issue 85 Asian-African Summit commemorates 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference

An Asian-African Summit took place in Jakarta and Bandung on 22-24 April to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Bandung 1955 Conference which had set the stage for political solidarity and economic cooperation of the South for decades to come. South Bulletin reports on this historic series of events.

 Pages 4-5 Bandung 24 April 2015: Asian and African leaders take a commemorative walk 60 years later. In Bandung, leaders take the same walk and the same pledge their predecessors did 60 years

Bandung April 1955: Leaders at the original walk from their hotel to the  Pages 2-3 Independence Building where the first Asian-African Conference was held . ago 3 Outcome Documents: Bandung History of the Bandung Message 2015, Reinvigorating NAASP, Conference  Pages 19-22 Declaration on Palestine  Pages 8-10 Statements by the leaders: Indonesia, Zimbabwe, China, India, South Africa, Iran,

Venezuela, South Centre  Pages 6-7, 11-18 In Bandung, leaders take the same walk and pledge their predecessors did 60 years ago

The 60th anniversary of the historic Bandung conference of That Bandung spirit led to the for- 1955 was marked by a short but meaningful ceremony on 24 mation of the Non Aligned Movement April by top political leaders from Asia and Africa, who took the in 1961, and indirectly also led to the same walk and made the same pledge their predecessors did. Group of 77 in 1964, the two major um- Before that, they concluded a two-day Summit conference in brella organisations of the developing Jakarta. countries. On 24 April 2015, political leaders from over 40 countries, led by Indone- sian President Joko Widodo, and officials from international organisations walked from Savoy Hotel to Merdeka Building and took part in a brief but meaningful commemoration ceremony.

Among the leaders present were the Presidents of China, Zimbabwe and Myanmar, the Prime Ministers of Ma- laysia, Nepal and Egypt, and the King of Swaziland. We were told the Merdeka Building had not changed, and the chairs were the same as the ones used 60 years ago. Widodo invoked the memory of the leadership and spirit of the giants of old, who had pioneered their nations’ President Widodo of Indonesia, President Xi of China and other Asian and African leaders take a independence and forged unity among commemorative walk in Bandung, 24 April 2015. the newly independent countries. By Martin Khor historic short walk on the Asia Africa The leaders present listened to and Road to the Merdeka Building. reaffirmed the Bandung Principles of n 24 April, top political leaders of 1955 which remain valid today, and O Asian and African countries took Bandung 24 April 1955 saw giants they signed the new documents that a 10 minute walk from an old hotel to like the host, President Sukarno of they had just approved during a two another old building, a conference Indonesia, Prime Ministers Chou En day Asian African summit conference hall. About 300 people were in the Lai of China and Jawaharlal Nehru of in Jakarta preceding the Bandung cere- same walk on the warm and sunny India, President Gamal Abdel Nasser mony. day. of Egypt, U Nu of Burma and some leaders of Africa, coming together to The apt theme for the Summit was It didn’t seem anything remarkable discuss the need for newly independ- South-South Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity. or newsworthy. But this was no ordi- ent countries to unite and fight for nary walk. Sixty years ago, on this their common interests. President Widodo made a strong same date, a small but powerful group speech highlighting the continuing of men and women took the same They adopted the Bandung princi- power inequalities and injustices in the walk and then launched a movement ples that included respect for national world, in which developing countries that snowballed into a united anti- sovereignty and self-determination, were still struggling to get their rightful colonial and post –colonial movement. equality of all nations and abstention fair share in decision making in world from use of force or exerting pressure affairs. They had come to commemorate on countries. and celebrate the anniversary of the Global injustice is obvious, when Bandung conference of Asian and Af- Bandung 1955 was the first ever wealthy nations think they can change rican leaders, all of who had just won meeting of the leaders of developing the world with their might, when the Independence or were on the verge of countries, who pledged to help other United Nations is powerless, and the doing so. countries still under colonialism to use of force is used without the man- complete their independence struggle, date of the UN and powerful countries The same grand Savoy Homann and to cooperate to develop their poor ignore the existence of the UN, he said. hotel was where the leaders had economies. stayed in 1955, and they had taken the Injustice exists when the rich coun-

Page 2 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 tries refuse to recognise the shifts in world economic power and only recognise the World Bank, IMF and the Asian Development Bank, he added. “The fate of the global economy cannot be left to these three organisations, we need to build a new world order that is open to new countries. A new and fair global system is needed.” Widodo also stressed that as the Bandung spirit demanded independence for countries, we are still indebted to the people of Palestine. “We have to struggle with them to give birth to an independent state of Palestine.” The plight and struggle of Palestini- ans became a major issue at the Sum- mit. It was obvious that the continuing occupation of Palestine lands and their BANDUNG HISTORICAL WALK. (From left to right) Emir Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Gamal Abdul Nasser, Emir Seif El Islam Al Hassan, and Mahmoud Muntasser--the leaders from Saudi Arabia, unfulfilled fight for an independent Egypt, Yemen, and Libya--walked to Gedung Merdeka. state was a big piece of “unfinished business” of the Asian African Ban- He put forward several principles, A new trend in South-South gath- dung conference. including to seek common ground and erings is that criticism of the ways of A special declaration in support of be open to one another’s views; expand the West in dominating the South is Palestine was adopted by the confer- South-South cooperation; the closing of now combined with announcements ence. Two other documents adopted the North-South gap. He also men- of how the developing countries are were the Bandung Message and the tioned the new Chinese initiatives of organising various ways to rely more Declaration on Re-invigorating the setting up the Asian Infrastructure In- on one another, including creating New Asian African Strategic Partner- vestment Bank as well as a new fund to new institutions.

finance the activities of the Economic ship. They present details of actions Bandung 1955 was a landmark Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. that are to be taken to promote more event that launched many good devel- cooperation in economic, health, food These initiatives by China was a opments for the newly independent security, education and other areas. reminder that with the growing wealth countries. of China and some other emerging President Xi Jinping of China Bandung 2015 could also prove to economies, there is now a real possibil- pledged to provide places for 100,000 be a landmark event that catalyses ity for the developing countries to help students and officials in Asia and Afri- further breakthroughs in South-South one another in financing their own de- ca for education and training in his cooperation which together with our velopment. country over five years. better performance in multilateral relations will implement the building of the new world order that our first generation of leaders were dreaming of. As the Jakarta and Bandung events came to a close, Indonesian officials indicated that they will be undertak- ing follow-up actions after the Sum- mit. It is important that concrete programmes are formulated, so that the good-intentioned declarations do not remain only on paper but spark new shoots of South-South cooperation.

Martin Khor is the Executive Director of the South Centre.

Contact: [email protected]

24 April 2015 saw the Ceremony of the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference 1955 at the Gedung Merdeka, the historical place where the first Bandung Conference was held on 18-24 April 1955.

Page 3 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Asian-African Summit commemorates 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference On 19-24 April 2015, a series of commemorative events includ- ration on Palestine. Commemorations ing the Asian-African Summit was held to celebrate the 60th anni- also took place in Bandung on 24 April versary of the Bandung Conference in Jakarta and Bandung with a historical walk and speeches at hosted by the Indonesian government. the Gedung Merdeka building. A series of other important events The first Asian-African Conference also known as the Bandung took place on the side-lines of the con- Conference was held on 18-24 April 1955 in Bandung, West Ja- ference. On 21 April, over 600 repre- va, Indonesia. The Conference held under the leadership of the sentatives of the Asian-African busi- governments of Burma (Myanmar), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, In- ness community attended a summit at donesia and Pakistan was attended by 29 developing countries the Jakarta Convention Centre and and marked a milestone event in the history of developing coun- agreed to establish the Asian-African Business Council to be based in Jakar- tries in their struggle against colonialism and to promote South ta. A meeting of over 200 Asian and solidarity. The Conference adopted the 10 principles of Ban- African Parliamentarians was also dung, which became the mantra for developing countries’ soli- organized. darity and led to many important developments including the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and Other important events included the South Commission and South Centre. the first Asia Africa Smart City Sum- mit, the Asian-African Students Con- ference and the Bandung Historical Study Games. To celebrate the cultural linkages between Asian and African peoples, a beautiful carnival was also organized with a photo exhibition, parades, concerts, and numerous cultural performances marking with great joy the festivities of the 60 Years of the Asian-African Conference. Follow-up to the Asian-African Summit In a press conference, President Joko Widodo said that the Summit has sent out a message to the world that there remain imbalances in the world today, far from fairness and far from peace and in this regard, “the Bandung Spir- it remains relevant in today’s context”. The event also identified concrete Indonesian President Joko Widodo criticizes global injustice in his opening address to the Asian- steps to promote Asian-African coop- African Summit in Jakarta. eration and established an operational By Adriano José Timossi 21 heads of state/government of Asian framework for a monitoring mecha- and African countries, 15 observers nism. he Asian-African Summit and and 10 international organizations, The summit highlighted the im- other commemorative events on T including the South Centre. The sum- portance of strengthening South-South the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of mit was hosted by Indonesian Presi- cooperation through technical cooper- the 1955 Asian-African Conference dent Joko Widodo, and co-chaired by ation and capacity building initiatives and the 10th Anniversary of the New Zimbabwean President Robert Muga- and programs and measures in this Asian-African Strategic Partnership be, current Chair of the African Union regard are to be undertaken with the were held on 22-24 April 2015 in Jakar- (AU). example of the decision of establishing ta and Bandung, Indonesia under the an Asian-African Centre in Bandung theme “Strengthening South-South The Summit adopted three outcome to boost South-South Cooperation. Cooperation to Promote World Peace documents: the Bandung Message and Prosperity”. The commemoration 2015, the Declaration on Reinvigorat- Leaders also agreed that all Asian events had a notable high attendance ing the New Asian-African Strategic and African Foreign Ministers will with 91 Asian and African countries, Partnership (NAASP), and the Decla- meet regularly every two years at the

Page 4 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 side-lines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Leaders also declared 24 April as Asian-African Day and Bandung as the capital of Asian-African solidarity.

Adriano José Timossi is Senior Pro- gramme Officer of the Global Govern- ance for Development Programme (GGDP) of the South Centre.

Bandung residents came in large number to welcome world leaders and participants of the Asian- African Conference on 24 April 2015.

Leaders gathered for the photo session of the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta on the theme “Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity” .

Group picture of leaders and delegates in Bandung during the Commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the first Asian-African Conference.

Page 5 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Indonesian President Attacks Global Injustice in Opening Asian-African Summit

The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, attacked the continua- When hundreds of people in the tion of global injustice, inequality and violence when opening the northern hemisphere enjoy the lives of Asian African Summit in Jakarta on 22 April, in commemoration the super rich, while more than 1.2 of the 60th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference of billion people in the southern hemisphere struggle with less than 2 dol-

1955. lars per day, then global injustice be- Widodo said global injustice prevails in today’s world when the comes more visible before eyes. Palestinians are deprived of a state, when rich countries When a group of rich countries with 20% of the world’s population consume over 70% of global think that they could change the resources, when a group of rich countries think that they could world by the use of force, the global change the world by the use of force and the United Nations inequality clearly brings about misery, looks on helpless, and when they think the IMF, World Bank, of which the United Nations looks Asian Development Bank still rule the world. Widodo called for a helpless. new international order which recognises the role of developing The use of unilateral force without countries. Below is his speech. a clear UN mandate, as we have wit- nessed, has undermined the existence of our common world body. There- fore, we, the nations of Asia and Afri- ca, demands the UN reform, so that it could function better, as a world body that puts justice for all of us before anything else. For me, the global injustice feels more suffocating, when the Bandung Spirit, that demanded freedom for all nations of Asia and Africa, still left one outstanding debt for six decades. We, and the world, still owe it to the Palestinians. The world is helpless before the suffering of the Palestinians, who live President Joko Widodo making his opening speech at the Summit . in fear and injustice, due to years of occupation. n behalf of the people and the Now, sixty years later. In a different We cannot turn away from the mis- government of the Republic of O global situation, the colonized nations ery of the Palestinians. We have to Indonesia, I welcome all of you to In- have gained their sovereignty, but our continue to fight with them, to sup- donesia, the initiator and host of the struggle is far from over. port the birth of a free Palestine. first Asian-African Conference in 1955. The world that we inherited today We also feel the global injustice Sixty years ago, our Founding Fa- is still fraught with global injustice, when a group of established nations ther, President Soekarno, proposed the inequality and violence. are reluctant to recognize that the initiative to raise a new awareness world has changed. The view that the among Asian and African nations to Our common dream of a new world world economic problems can only be claim their right to live as free nations, civilization based on social justice, solved by the World Bank, the Interna- to refuse injustice, and to oppose im- equality, harmony, and prosperity, has tional Monetary Fund, and the Asian perialism in all of its manifestations. yet to become a reality. Development Bank, in an outdated Sixty years ago, we declared the Global injustice and inequality are view. Asian-African solidarity in our fight clearly on display before us. I am of the view that the manage- for independence, prosperity and jus- When the rich nations, which com- ment of the global economy cannot be tice for our peoples. prise a mere 20 percent of the world’s left only to the three international fi-

That is the flame of the 1955 Asian- population, consume 70 percent of the nancial institutions. We must build a African Conference. This is the essence world resources, then global injustice new global economic order, that is of the Bandung Spirit. becomes real. open to new emerging economic powers.

Page 6 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 We push for a reform of the global First, prosperity. We must cooperate must declare war against illegal drugs financial architecture, to eliminate the closely to eradicate poverty, improve that destroy the future of our children. domination of one group of countries education and health services, promote We must work hard to establish over other countries. science and technology, and provide external stability and security which jobs for our people. The world needs a collective global are prerequisites to development in leadership which is exercised in a just Second, solidarity. We must grow each country. We must cooperate to and responsible manner. Indonesia as a together, by increasing and expanding ensure that our oceans, or seas, are new emerging economic force, as a trade and investment between us. We safe for international trade. We hope country with the largest Muslim popu- must develop inter-regional economic that no inter-state conflict and dispute lation on earth, and as the third largest cooperation between Asia and Africa, is resolved through the use of force. democracy, stands ready to play a by helping each other in strengthening These are the challenges before us, global role as a positive to fulfil a noble connectivity among us, by building in- the solutions of which need to be goal. frastructures that connect our ports, our found during the Asian-African Con- airports, and our roads. Indonesia will Today and tomorrow, we gather ference in the next two days. strive to be a maritime bridge that con- here in Jakarta to respond to those chal- nects the two continents. Allow me to use this forum to ex- lenges of global injustice and inequali- press my conviction, that the future of ty. Third, internal and external stability, the world rests with the countries and respect for human rights. We have Today and tomorrow, the world around the equator, in our hands, the to ask ourselves, what is wrong with us awaits our steps in bringing the Asian people of Asia and Africa. that many of our countries are plagued and African nations to stand in equality by internal and external conflicts that Therefore, in the Name of Allah the with other countries in the world. derail our economy. Merciful and the Compassionate, Bis- We can do all that by bringing the millahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the We must work together to withstand Bandung Spirit down to earth, by con- 2015 Asian-African Conference offi- the challenges of violence, conflicts, and textualizing the three core objectives cially open. radicalism in our society, and respect that our predecessors had fought for and protect our people’s rights. We May God Bless Us All. Thank You. sixty years ago. Remarks by Joko Widodo at the Commemorations in Bandung, 24 April

eace be upon us all. In this city, they called for inde- in other parts of the world. P Welcome to Bandung, the city of pendence, prosperity and justice to the This is also the issue faced by our the fiery spirit against colonialism and Asian-African nations. friends in Asia and Africa. injustice. Such was the great vision of our Therefore, on this august occasion Decades ago, in this very hall, gath- forefathers. of the 60th Commemoration of the ered our forefathers, who had inspired Their dreams were ahead of their Asian-African Conference, the world. times. Let us reignite the Spirit of Ban- In this hall, the spirit of the initia- Sixty years ago, only 3 African na- dung. tor, SOEKARNO, our Great Leader, tions took part in the Asian-African Let us continue the aspiration of still echoes; Conference. our Leaders 60 years ago. In this hall, the fighting spirit of the The representative of Sudan was We need to enhance mutual under- Great Leader JAWAHARLAL NEH- even present, with a white cloth in his standing and attain world peace. All RU, stays aflame; hands with “Sudan” written on it. forms of violence must be stopped. In this hall, the spirit of solidarity There was no flag, as they had not We shall continue our support for from the Great Leader MOHAMMAD gained their independence yet. Palestine in their struggle for inde- ALI BOGRA, remains alive; The world has changed. The Asian- pendence. In this hall, the noble dream of the African Conference this year is attend- We must work hand in hand to Great Leader SIR JOHN KOTELAWA- ed by 91 states, with the same spirit, enhance the welfare of our peoples, LA to bring prosperity to his people against different challenges. through economic and trade relations. still lives among us; The spirit to bring prosperity to our We should work together for equal In this hall, the revolutionary perse- peoples. standing with the developed countries verance of the Great Leader U NU, still We realize that our dreams will be in other parts of the world. touches our hearts. fulfilled through cooperation, in equal I fervently hope that we will keep INDIA was a dream. partnership with other countries. the spirit of the Asian-African Confer- PAKISTAN was a dream. Once again, cooperation on equal ence among us and in our respective SRI LANKA was a dream. footing, with fellows from other coun- countries. MYANMAR was a dream. tries. I highly appreciate your active par- INDONESIA was also a dream. As the President of more than 250 ticipation in this Asian-African Con- The dream of a free, just, and pros- million people, I am well aware that ference. perous life, Indonesia has yet to be free of poverty; Until we meet again in the next The dream which gave birth to the Indonesia has yet to reach the level Asian-African Conference. Spirit of Bandung. of progress as the developed countries

Page 7 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Asian-African Summit adopts 3 documents

The political leaders adopted the Bandung Message 2015, a ciples contained in the Charter of the Declaration on Re-invigorating the New Asian—African Strategic United Nations and the spirit en- Partnership and a special Declaration on Palestine. Adriano Jo- shrined in the Bandung Final Commu- sé Timossi reports on the three outcomes. niqué of 1955, in particular, respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of States, refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of States and non- interference in their domestic affairs and repudiation of the use of unilateral coercive measures including sanctions which violate the Charter of the United Nations, is a central part of the Message. The section on economic and development issues stressed the important role to be played by the two most dynamic regions in the world representing 75% of world population and 30% of global GDP. The important

role of trade and investments for both regions was also highlighted as well the impacts of the continuing global Indonesian President Joko Widodo (centre), Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and King of Swaziland financial and economic crises which Mswati III (left) symbolically signed the Bandung Message in the Merdeka Building in Bandung, on 24 have caused a decline in trade and April 2015. investment growth. The message makes a strong call for a development Bandung Message 2015 regional and global peace and security oriented, non-discriminatory and in- as well as to promote economic cooper- The Bandung Message, a political dec- clusive multilateral trading system ation and trade, to eradicate poverty laration adopted on 24 April in Ban- that contributes to growth, invest- and achieve sustainable development. dung by the Asian-African leaders fo- ment, sustainable development and Redoubled efforts will be given to revi- cused on prosperity, solidarity and sta- employment, particularly for develop- talise the New Asian-African Strategic bility. Its most important action point ing and least developed countries. Partnership (NAASP) of 2005. In this was the leaders welcoming Indonesia’s regard, while recognizing the im- Other issues covered included food decision to establish an Asian-African portance of South-South Cooperation, security, sustainable infrastructure, Centre in Indonesia. It will serve as an it was the common view that this the importance of the maritime sector “institutional support base” of the New framework of cooperation is a manifes- and including the strategic relevance Asian-African Strategic Partnership. tation of solidarity among Asian and of the Indian and the Pacific Oceans in The Message reiterated that the African countries and a complement to, bridging Asian and African economic Spirit of Bandung, including on self- rather than a substitute for, North advancement. Also included were determination, as enshrined in the Final South cooperation. concerns over vulnerability to the ad- Communiqué of the 1955 Asian-African verse impact of climate change, a call The Message reaffirms Asian- Conference remains solid, pertinent for an inclusive and equitable post- African leaders’ commitment to ad- and effective as a foundation for nur- 2015 development agenda, which vance a constructive approach in the turing stronger relations among Asian- should focus on eradicating poverty promotion and protection of all human African countries. After 60 years, the and promoting sustainable develop- rights and fundamental freedoms at Spirit of Bandung continues to provide ment and inclusive economic growth relevant international fora based on the guidance to resolve regional and global and the need for a strengthened inter- principles of universality, transparen- issues of common concern in accord- national development cooperation cy, impartiality, objectivity and non- ance with the relevant principles of the including appropriate financing for selectivity, respect for cultural values, Charter of the United Nations. the implementation of the agenda un- in accordance with the 1993 Vienna der the framework of global partner- Leaders expressed their commit- Declaration and Programme of Action. ship. ment to boost cooperation and to ex- The central role of the United Nations plore innovative and concrete ways in the achievement and maintenance of On social and cultural relations the and means to strengthen linkages be- international peace and security, as Message underlines the importance of tween Asia and Africa, to contribute to well as advancement of common pros- closer international collaboration and perity based on the purposes and prin-

Page 8 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 coordinated responses to combat epi- demics and communicable and infec- tious diseases. It recognizes the importance of strengthening people to people contacts by facilitating and en- couraging interaction and exchange among youth, women, business, intel- lectuals, scholars, experts, athletes, art- ists, and media of the two regions. Leaders welcomed the “Bandung declaration of a human rights city”, as signed by the Mayor of Bandung on 2 April 2015 and also, declared Bandung as the capital of Asian-African solidarity and April 24th as Asian-African Day to celebrate Asian-African solidarity, cooperation and partnership to promote world peace and prosperity. Declaration on Re-invigorating the New Asian-African Strate- gic Partnership Asian-African Monument inaugurated with the quote “Let a new Asia and new Africa be born”, a The declaration reviewed some of the reference to the title of the historical speech made by Sukarno at the first conference in 1955. key achievements of the partnership over the past ten years. On peace and livelihoods of rural communities and munications and easing of travel visa security, it reaffirmed commitment to small and medium-scale farmers of restriction. Special efforts will be made support maintenance of international Asia and Africa. to substantiate the establishment of a peace and security under the auspices forum for small and medium-scaled Countries of the two regions will of the United Nations, particularly industries between Asian and African work together in the development of through the UN Peacekeeping Opera- countries. tions, where more than 87% of peace- reliable and affordable infrastructure in keeping personnel in the field come order to increase regional connectivity The Declaration also reiterated that from Asian-African countries. and to boost trade, investment, banka- fulfilling the ultimate objective of the ble projects and assistance, industrial UNFCCC will require strengthening The Declaration also emphasized development, maritime cooperation, the multilateral, rules-based regime the need to strengthen cooperation in specifically to initiate a forum for SMEs under the Convention. They, therefore, the agricultural sector as part of their to bridge the gap in energy security, further reaffirm their resolve to contin- future agenda to improve food securi- knowledge and technology transfer in ue the negotiations on climate change ty, while stressing the importance of Asian-African countries through sci- under the Convention and to adopt, at sharing knowledge, practices and tech- ence, technology and innovation, in- COP-21/CMP-11 UNFCCC, in Paris, in nologies through collaborative research cluding cooperation on maritime air 2015, a protocol, another legal instru- and development projects, to better the transport, roads, energy and telecom- ment or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties, and adhering to the principles set out in the Convention, on the basis of equity and common but differ- entiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in light of different national circumstances. It also stressed the importance of protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore. There- fore, they support the current process under the Intergovernmental Commit- tee on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore of the World Intellectual Prop- erty Organization towards the objective of reaching agreement to ensure the appropriate protection of Tradi- tional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Genetic Resources. Banners in the streets of Bandung illustrating leaders of the Bandung Conference 1955.

Page 9 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 The declaration ended with a series committed to working together to 1967 borders and relevant United Na- of operational decisions aimed at en- shape their future, so as to harness the tions resolutions, as set out in the two- hancing the structural and systematic energy of their respective economies State solution. cooperation between the two regions and to make a contribution to the long- They stressed that the only viable including an Asian-African permanent term development and common pros- solution to the Israeli-Palestinian con- forum. The key decisions are: perity of the two regions. flict is an agreement, which ends the  “Organizing a Commemorative They will also review the progress of illegal Israeli occupation that began in Asian-African Summit every ten years; implementation of this Declaration in 1967, resolves all permanent status the next Summit of Asian-African coun- issues – Palestine refugees, Jerusalem,  “Consolidating the institutional- tries. settlements, borders, security and wa- ized process of the NAASP by rotating ter - and justly fulfils the inalienable the co-•chairmanship of NAASP every Declaration on Palestine rights and legitimate national aspira- four years as stipulated in the NAASP A declaration on Palestine with 15 para- tions of the Palestinian people. And Declaration 2005; graphs was adopted in the Asian- that a just, lasting and comprehensive  “Organizing biennial ministerial African Summit. Referring to the princi- settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian consultations at the sidelines of the UN ple of self- determination as set forth in conflict is imperative for achieving

General Assembly in New York to pro- the Final Communiqué of the Bandung peace and security in the region. vide strategic direction for Asian- Conference in 1955, and in accordance The declaration strongly deplored with the Charter of the United Nations, African partnership; the Israeli military operation in the leaders deplored the fact that sixty  Gaza Strip in July – August 2014, “Organizing annual meetings be- years since the Bandung Conference, which caused the tragic loss of Pales- tween Co-chairs; the Palestinian people remain deprived tinian lives, the majority being civil-  “Strengthening people-to-people of their rights, freedom and independ- ians, including hundreds of children ence, and that millions of Palestinians interactions, particularly in business, and women; massive destruction of are still living under occupation and as academia, media, youth and sports as homes and vital civilian infrastructure; well as civil society. In this regard, we refugees, and that this historic injustice widespread trauma to the civilian continues. encourage inter•regional University to population; and the dramatic deterio- University (U to U) cooperation, in- The leaders paid a special tribute to ration of socio-economic and humani- cluding the establishment of an Asian- the resilience and steadfastness of the tarian conditions of the Palestinian African Academic Forum to strengthen Palestinian people in the face of the citizens in the Gaza Strip. In this re- closer collaboration among higher edu- illegal Israeli occupation, and reaf- gard it appealed for a rapid and full cation institutions and academicians in firmed their full support of the just disbursement of pledges made at the the two regions. We also see the bene- struggle of the Palestinian people to Cairo Conference on Palestine: Recon- fits of establishing a network of Asian- regain their inalienable right to self- structing Gaza to alleviate the human- African think-tanks to enhance re- determination, including the realization itarian disaster and support urgently search and assist policy development.” of the sovereignty and independence of needed economic recovery and recon- The Asian-African countries are their State of Palestine with East Jerusa- struction. lem as its capital, based on the 4 June The declaration concluded by calling for continued efforts to support and assist the Palestinian people in the realization of their right to self- determination, independence and freedom without delay. Leaders of Asian-African countries expressed their hope that Palestine’s application for full membership in the United Na- tions will be considered favourably. In light of the latest recognitions of the State of Palestine by a number of countries and Parliaments, they called upon the countries, which have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so to ensure that the freedom and independence of all Asian and African nations are comprehensive and complete.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) is shaking hands with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah (left) while welcoming the Prime Minister upon his arrival for the gala dinner of the 2015 Asian African Summit at the State Palace in Jakarta.

Page 10 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Asian-African leaders’ speeches deliver a strong message of global justice For two days, political leaders from Asia, Africa and also a Latin- jects...The programme offers yet other American country made speeches at the Summit. The following immense opportunities and possibili- are extracts from some of these speeches. ties for concrete, practical cooperation between our two regions. I am informed that in less than two months a Continental Business Net- work will be launched in Africa...As the Network will encompass both African and global business and financial bodies, it is our hope that Asia private sector members will participate in the Network and team up with their African counterparts in bringing better, more modern and more efficient infrastructure to the continent. A more productive and better connected Africa will be a stronger partner for and with Asia. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe delivers speech at the Commemoration Ceremony of the

Asian-African Conference of 1955. African and Asian countries are a formidable force, in numeri- Robert Mugabe, President of transformation, anchored on adding cal terms, at the multilateral level. Yet, Zimbabwe, Chair of the African value to and beneficiating our divinely that numerical strength counts for Union (AU) and co-Chair of the endowed natural resources, is also little, when it comes to the running Asian African Conference 2015 sweeping across Africa, taking root in and control of the multilateral system. many countries. In the UN, the voice of the five perma- ur presence here is evidence of nent members of the Security Council our shared desire and common We are convinced that, in the O carries more weight than that of the commitment to expand, deepen, and framework of the NAASP, there is rest of us, the majority. Our calls for a solidify, the new partnership between unlimited room for sustainable and reform of the Security Council review Africa and Asia, that we agreed upon mutually beneficial practical cooper- have yielded nothing so far. We must ten years ago. We have to admit, ation between ourselves and our remobilise for success. One of the though, that we need to put in more Asian friends. essential ingredients in doing so will extra efforts into this new partnership, Beyond information sharing and be the strengthening of our unity in if we are to attain its ambitions. technical cooperation programmes, continuing to fight for a UN that rec- For a start, we will have to adhere we would want to establish joint ognises all its members as equal part- by the operational framework that we ventures, between ourselves, that can ners, not only in terms of the Char- are going to adopt at this meeting. In produce not just more products, but ter, but more crucially, in practice. addition, we will have to go beyond more products of better quality. Such Our unity is founded on the endur- mere intentions, important and essen- joint industrial ventures would also ing ten principles of the Bandung Con- tial as they may be, to the vitality of the be taken in an integrated manner ference. But, that unity cannot thrive new partnership, to the stage we actu- that benefits not only Zimbabwe, but of itself. We have to act it out by being ally implement projects of cooperation. also other countries in the region, with whom we enjoy many synergies faithful to, and being advocates of The countries of our two regions and complementarities. those principles in our actions and in have awakened to the fact that we our pronouncements. should be no longer consigned to the One of the critical factors in I am glad that at the conclusion of role of exporters of primary goods and ensuring the success and sustaina- this Summit, we will adopt a declara- importers of finished goods, a role that bility of the envisaged economic tion on reinvigorating our new part- had historically been assigned to us by transformation and integration in nership. Let us reinvigorate it in soli- the colonial powers. In Asia, you have Africa is the development of modern- darity, in friendship, and in concrete made much more remarkable progress ised and integrated infrastructure on cooperation for the greater benefit of in transforming your economies to be- the continent. In recognition of this,

the peoples of our two regions, re- come producers of manufactured the African Union has adopted a Pro- gions that are linked by history and goods and processed goods than we gramme for Infrastructure Develop- geography, and enriched by the diver- have in Africa. That wave of economic ment in Africa (PIDA) composed, at present, of sixteen inter-regional pro- sity of our cultures.

Page 11 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Xi Jinping, President of China ixty years ago, leaders from 29 S Asian and African countries attended the Bandung Conference, giving birth to the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, galva- nizing the national liberation movement that swept across Asia, Africa and Latin America, and accelerating the global process of decolonization. On

the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, the Conference put forth the ten principles for the han- dling of state-to-state relations, which played a historic role in charting the right course for international relations, advancing Asia-Africa and South- Xi Jinping attends the Asian-African Summit and delivers speech entitled "Carrying Forward the Ban- dung Spirit to Promote Win-win Cooperation", expressing that all countries should vigorously promote South cooperation, and promoting the Bandung Spirit. North-South cooperation. The Bandung Conference, indeed, stands as a major when doing it alone; the going is made will set a good and important example milestone for the solidarity and cooper- easier when doing it with many others." for South-South cooperation in other ation between Asian and African peo- By working closely together, Asian and parts of the world. African countries will gain far more ples. Enhanced South-South cooperation than what their combined strengths calls for more effective institutions and The Bandung Spirit under the new could produce. We need to follow a win mechanisms. It is important to make circumstances retains strong vitality. -win approach for common develop- good use of the Non-Aligned Move- We must carry forward the Bandung ment, align our development strategies, ment, the Group of 77 and other Spirit by enriching it with new ele- enhance infrastructure connectivity, groupings, strengthen cooperation ments consistent with changing times, promote result-oriented cooperation in platforms such as the Conference on by pushing for a new type of interna- industry, agriculture, human resources Interaction and Confidence-Building tional relations featuring win-win co- development and other fields, and culti- Measures in Asia (CICA) and BRICS, operation, by promoting a more just vate such new bright spots of coopera- encourage dialogue and exchanges and equitable international order and tion as green energy, environment and among regional organizations of de- system, and by building a community e-commerce so as to translate the eco- veloping countries and explore new of common destiny for whole humani- nomic complementarity of the two con- frameworks for South-South coopera- ty so as to bring about even greater tinents into a collective driving force for tion. In this connection, China sup- benefits to the people in Asia, Africa their development. We should deepen ports Indonesia's initiative of estab- and other parts of the world. To this regional and sub-regional cooperation, lishing an Asia-Africa Center. It is nec- end, I wish to make the following pro- make better use of the existing mecha- essary to increase the representation posals: nisms, build new cooperation platforms and voice of the developing countries when conditions allow to advance trade First, we should deepen Asian- in the various international systems, and investment liberalization and facili- African cooperation. As important cra- guide the negotiations on the post- tation, and promote a new architecture dles of human civilization, the two con- 2015 development agenda so that they of wide-ranging, multi-levelled and all- tinents are home to three quarters of will focus more on addressing the dif- dimensional Asian-African cooperation. the world population, and boast more ficulties and challenges of the devel- than half of the UN member states. Second, we should expand South- oping countries, especially African Asian-African cooperation is acquiring South cooperation. Mr. Deng Xiaoping, countries and the least developed a global dimension of growing im- the chief architect of China's reform and countries, and safeguard more effec- portance. In the face of new opportuni- opening-up, once said that South-South tively the legitimate rights and inter- ties and new challenges, Asian and cooperation was such a well-put term ests of the developing countries. African countries need to hold on to that we must give whoever invented it Third, we should advance North- their tradition of sharing weal and woe, a big medal. Indeed, developing coun- South cooperation. The Bandung Spir- seize the opportunities and meet the tries in their large numbers are all faced it is not only relevant to Asian-African challenges together, and push Asian- with the common mission of accelerat- cooperation and South-South coopera- African cooperation constantly to a ing development and improving peo- tion, it also provides important inspi- higher level, so that we will always ple's lives. They ought to look to one ration and useful reference for greater stay as good friends, good partners and another for comfort and come to each North-South cooperation. Balanced good brothers. other's aid in times of difficulty. And global development will remain elu- they should actively carry out coopera- As an African proverb goes, "One sive if a group of countries is allowed tion across the board to realize their single pillar is not sufficient to build a to get richer and richer while another respective development blueprints. A house." In China, we have an old say- group gets trapped in prolonged pov- successful Asian-African cooperation ing, which reads, "The going is difficult erty and backwardness. From the stra-

Page 12 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 tegic perspective of building a commu- Africa. By the end of this year, China rain or shine, with a relationship that nity of common destiny for mankind, will extend zero-tariff treatment to 97% flows as vigorous as the mighty Yang- North-South relations are not merely an of tax items from all the least devel- tze, Solo and Nile rivers. Looking economic and development issue but oped countries having diplomatic ties ahead, we should carry forward the one that bears on the whole picture of with China. And China will continue Bandung Spirit and make our dream world peace and stability. to provide assistance to developing for rejuvenated Asia and Africa come countries without political conditions. true. In so doing, we can bring more Helping developing countries to China will work with all parties in the benefits to our people and contribute achieve development so as to close the building of the Silk Road Economic more to the lofty cause of peace and North-South gap is the bounden re- Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk development for mankind. sponsibility and obligation of the devel- Road, managing well the launch of the oped countries. It is important to prod Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank developed countries to earnestly deliver (AIIB) and making proper use of the on their ODA commitments, step up Hassan Rouhani, President of Silk Road Fund. China will join the their support for developing countries Iran relevant countries in improving with no political strings attached, and ASEAN Plus China, the China-Arab he commemoration of the sixtieth build a more fair and balanced new States Cooperation Forum, the Shang- anniversary of the historical Ban- global development partnership by T hai Cooperation Organization and oth- dung Conference, which coincides strengthening the developing countries' er cooperation platforms, and ensuring with the tenth anniversary of the New capacity for independent development. the success of the 6th Ministerial Con- Asian-African Strategic Partnership, is It is also important to uphold and pro- ference of the Forum on China-Africa indeed a unique opportunity to pay mote an open world economy, build Cooperation to be held in South Africa homage to the founders of this valua- fair, equitable, inclusive and rules-based later this year. China will continue to ble initiative - an initiative which pros- international economic and financial promote South-South cooperation and pered within the framework of the systems, and create a sound external North-South cooperation, working Non-Aligned Movement and resulted environment favorable for the develop- with other countries to secure peace in the voices of South Countries to be ment of developing countries. and stability at regional and global heard at international level and in im- It is necessary to abandon such out- levels and achieve common develop- provement of their role as an influen- dated thinking as Cold War mentality ment and prosperity. tial force in establishing international and zero-sum game, champion the new peace, security and development, and I would like to announce here that vision for common, comprehensive, for the first time, the fight against co- in the next five years, China will offer cooperative and sustainable security, lonialism and racism was clearly in- 100,000 training opportunities for can- and settle conflicts and disputes peace- scribed on the agenda of the interna- didates from developing countries in fully through dialogue and consulta- tional community. Asia and Africa and host the annual tion. Concerted efforts should be made Asia-Africa Youth Festival, inviting a Although at present era the world to address non-traditional security is- total of 2,000 Asian and African youth has undergone enormous changes, the sues and meet global challenges such as to China. China will set up a China- Bandung principles and values should terrorism, public health hazards, cyber Asia and Africa cooperation center to remain on the agenda of global diplo- security and climate change, so as to further exchanges and cooperation macy. Let's not allow Bandung cry to build a community of common destiny, among Asian and African countries. fade away in the corridors of profit- find a new path featuring security by China will launch a program for ex- seeking politics. Let's not allow Ban- all, of all and for all, and work together changes and research on international dung principles and values to be un- for lasting peace and stability in regions law between China and the Asian- dermined. Let's not allow violence, and around the world. African Legal Consultative Organiza- aggression, terrorism and extremism Under the new circumstances, China tion. And China will host an interna- to spread easily all across the world will stay firmly committed to closer tional seminar this year themed on the and shed the blood of the innocents. Asian-African cooperation. Having al- Bandung Spirit. Your active participa- Terrorism and extremism are now ready signed with eight of its neighbors tion in the event will be greatly appre- widespread in many parts of Asia and the treaty of good-neighborliness, ciated. Africa. Extremist terrorists, particular- friendship and cooperation, China is No matter how developed it may ly in Iraq and Syria and some African ready to do the same with the rest of its become and how much the internation- countries, resort to the most barbaric neighboring countries. China will step al landscape may change, China will methods to kill innocent women, men up peace and security cooperation with remain a reliable friend and sincere and children on a daily basis for their African countries with a view to en- partner to the developing countries. own vicious and anti-human political hancing their capacity for peacekeeping, This bedrock of China's foreign policy interest and to destroy the infrastruc- counter-terrorism, and counter-piracy has not and will never change. ture of these countries. Extremists en- operations. China is ready to carry out joy the intelligence, logistic and finan- production capacity cooperation with According to the traditional Chinese cial support of some regional and in- Asian and African countries, helping calendar, every 60 years form a cycle. ternational players to achieve their African countries with the building of That brings Asian-African cooperation illegitimate goals; this is while, their high-speed rail, expressway and region- of 60 years to a new starting point. The sponsors ignore the fact that the con- al aviation networks and facilitating the past six decades saw China and coun- tinuation of instability in the crisis-hit industrialization process in Asia and tries in Asia and Africa stand together, areas will bring insecurity throughout Page 13 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 regional cooperation and interactions among neighbors in order to strengthen peace, tranquility and stability as prelude to economic development and eradication of poverty and underde- velopment. Under such a framework, the Is- lamic Republic of Iran is prepared to strike partnership with its neighbors including its Arab neighbors. In this respect, we emphasize on the establishment of regional peace to stop kill- ing and bloodshed in Yemen and other countries of the region, as in the new international order, cooperation and partnership are fundamental. As the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, I have the privilege and the honor to say how satisfying it is to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, current chair of the Non-aligned Movement, delivers his speech in the 2015 Asian African Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center . be present in this summit meeting. This Movement, as the biggest diplo- the whole world including their own Moreover, the developed countries matic achievement of recent decades, countries. have either failed to fulfill or condition- believes that the strong foundation of alized their international commitments this strategic partnership led to the Continued crises and conflicts in the areas of financing and technology strengthening of Asian African coun- which have been intensified with for- transfer. The international economic tries and other developing areas in eign military intervention have created and financial architecture also suffers many fields and enabled them to play humanitarian catastrophe in the crisis- from structural weaknesses. This has a more important role at international hit areas. prevented effective participation of the level. Considering the current condi- The present unfortunate conditions developing countries in the major deci- tions of the world politics, it is now in Yemen and Syria are clear examples sion making processes of these organi- our duty to realize the Bandung prin- of this situation. History has demon- zations. ciples in action. On such a basis, we strated that military intervention is not need to accelerate and strengthen the We still are far from a multilateral, a proper response to these crises and link and cohesion between Asia and rule-based, non-discriminatory and will instead exacerbate the situation. Africa. inclusive financial and trade system, in We believe that sustainable peace can favor of assisting increased investment, prevail if military intervention is development and sustainable employ- ceased and proper conditions are pre- Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy ment in developing and the least devel- pared for talks and dialogue among all President of South Africa oped countries. Therefore, structural political groups. We remind the inter- reforms in this system are quite neces- he year 2015 marks the confluence national community of its grave re- sary. Non-discriminatory participation of both the 60th anniversary of the sponsibility in this respect. T of all countries in international and re- spirit of Bandung and the adoption of Along the same line, the policy of gional financial and banking institu- South Africa's premier document, the occupation and expansion undertaken tions and processes is an indispensible Freedom Charter, and the 70th anni- by the aggressive Zionist regime, exe- part of this structural reform. versary of the United Nations. cuted through physical and structural Multilateralism is another Bandung 60 years ago in 1955, as the shack- violence, has led to systematic and Conference principle which is also a les of colonialism were being cast off, massive violation of the rights of Pales- significant human achievement in the the founding fathers of our liberation tinians. This constitutes a serious threat fight against arrogant unilateralism. movements of Africa and Asia con- to regional and international peace and Resort to coercive measures such as the vened in Bandung. They gathered security. imposition of economic sanctions here in Indonesia to reflect on the role History shows that conflict and in- against independent states is a manifes- of emerging nations in securing peace security creates poverty and underde- tation of such an attitude. The illegal in the global arena, achieving econom- velopment. This is an important chal- and unjust sanctions against the peace- ic development, and assigning coloni- lenge facing the developing and the ful nuclear program of the Islamic Re- alism and racism to the dustbin of his- least developed countries. In spite of public of Iran are a prime example of tory. national efforts to alleviate and eradi- this dangerous approach. The core principles of the spirit of cate poverty, development cooperation Inspired by the principles of Ban- the Bandung Conference were politi- has yet to achieve the desired level of dung Conference and Islamic precepts, cal self-determination, mutual respect economic development in the poor we will try, at this stage, to promote for sovereignty, non-aggression, non- countries.

Page 14 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 occasion. I commend you on this great initiative, which is testament once more of the strong solidarity that exists between the Governments and People of Africa and Asia. Long Live the Spirit of Bandung. Long Live the Africa - Asia Solidarity!

Jorge Arreaza, Vice President of Venezuela (Abridged from TeleSUR English) he third world countries of Asia, T Africa and Latin America should form an alliance in order to “end im- perialist domination,” according to the

Venezuelan vice-president, Jorge Ar- South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the Asian African Business Summit, Indonesia. reaza. Arreaza made the proposal for a third world alliance during a speech interference in internal affairs and This particularly applies to the United at the Asian-African Summit in Indo- equality. While we celebrate that much Nations Security Council. We need to nesia in April. Speaking as a special of the noble ideals of Bandung have reflect on the importance of an inclu- Latin American representative, Ar- been accomplished, we must guard sive, transparent, reformed, strength- reaza told the audience that the alli- against complacency. The spirit of Ban- ened, and effective multilateral system ance was necessary to overthrow im- dung remains unrealized until we uni- that is able to better address the urgent perialism and end the unipolar system versally eradicate poverty, underdevel- global challenges of sustainable devel- imposed on southern nations through- opment, inequality, extremism and ra- opment today. out the years. “The alliance between cial and gender discrimination. Asia, Africa and Latin America today The reform that urgently needs to is not only necessary, it is indispensa- South Africa's international relations be implemented must reflect the reali- ble,” said Arreaza. “From the South, philosophy is premised on the princi- ties of the new global paradigm. we will determine, freely, the future of ples of the Freedom Charter launched Let me once again express our sin- the world for the people.” The vice on 26 June 1955 by the African National cere gratitude to the Government and president also reminded the audience Congress, a few months after the return People of Indonesia for your hospitali- that former Venezuelan president Hu- of our two delegates from the Bandung ty during our time here. I also wish to go Chavez also advocated strongly for Conference. Our Freedom Charter de- extend a personal word of gratitude to a need for the three continents to unite mands that "There shall be peace and President Joko Widodo, for his vision- in order to fight against harmful west- friendship”. ary leadership in convening this special ern policies and forms of control. The plight of the Palestinian people remains a blight on our collective con- science. It is incumbent that we redou- ble our efforts to bring peace to that troubled Holy Land and have two independent and viable states of Palestine and Israel existing in peace with each other and with the whole world. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the formation of the United Nations. As we observe this milestone, the world remains confronted by the challenges of unequal development and conflict in many regions and within states. A further challenge is that the multilateral financial and political institutions remain untransformed. In this connection, South Africa adds its voice to the calls made at this historic gathering to fast-track the transfor- President Joko Widodo (left) greets the Vice-President of Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza (right), the incom- mation of the global governance system. ing chair of the Non-Aligned Movement to take over chairmanship from Iran at the NAM Summit in September 2015.

Page 15 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 “Today is not, as then, simply about not being aligned with power and a sphere of influence. Today, the challenge is much greater... That is, to not be aligned with injustice, ... and to fight against wars, disrespect for international law, and to fight against colonialism in all its forms, combat hunger, to not be aligned with discrimination nor domination in all its forms,” said Ar-

reaza. As an example of third world unity, Arreaza reiterated Venezuela's solidarity with Palestine, which has experienced significant oppression under Israel's expansionist policies.

Sushma Swaraj, External Af- Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) arrives at Asian African Conference Comme- fairs Minister of India moration Summit in Jakarta. Third, Capacity Building: Education Aden, yet the threat remains due to his Summit is a tribute to the mo- and skills are vital to provide gainful political instability, poverty and lack mentous Bandung Conference T employment and make our population of development in parts of our region. which arose out of the meeting of contributing elements of society. India, The Indian Ocean's importance as an minds of the visionary leaders of Asia Africa and several Asian countries are active trade route will grow in the fu- and Africa. The Bandung Conference young countries which need more at- ture. As we embark upon the concept itself inherited the mantle of the Asian tention to the capacity building ap- of Blue Economy as a new pillar of Relations Conference of 1947 and the proach. The Bandung Conference un- development, it becomes even more Conference of Asian and African Na- derscored the need for developing important to secure our seas. tions of 1949. These meetings had crys- countries to reduce their economic de- tallized the ethos and values of our two Fifth, New global order: The Ban- pendence on the industrialized nations continents. In the last 60 years the Ban- dung spirit for a just and equitable by providing technical assistance to one dung spirit has remained a source of order continues. Asia and Africa are another. As we commemorate the 60th inspiration for the leaders of Asia and both in consonance to reorder interna- anniversary of that Conference we need Africa in their quest for world peace tional institutions and reform the UN to once again pledge to strengthen our and cooperation. and its Security Council as also other technical and economic cooperation. institutions, where our voices are not Let me take this opportunity to Fourth, Maritime dimension: Mari- being heard. We need more cohesive share my thoughts on five issues faced time security is a matter of concern. We action on this and India is ready to by Asia and Africa today. I firmly be- have worked together to combat piracy play its due role in the new world or- lieve that we all need to work together in the Malacca Straits and the Gulf of der. on these issues in this century. First, Development: Although the pace of socio-economic development in Asia and Africa has acquired momen- tum, huge infrastructural investments are required to make food and energy accessible to all. We shall need to adapt technologies, increase efficiencies and introduce innovations. Given our simi- lar developmental needs we have much to learn from each other in meeting our developmental goals. Second, Security: The rise of extremist violence and terrorism has been one of the most disturbing security phe- nomena and several parts of our two continents are victim to a medley of terrorist groups. The ISIS has emerged as a cause of grave concern in the last year. We must be resolute in counter- ing this scourge that challenges our civilization. Luncheon co-hosted by the President of the Republic of Indonesia and Governor of West Java at the Balai Pakuan of Bandung on 24 April 2015.

Page 16 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 be born. It is thus fitting that this Summit has highlighted the plight of South Centre Statement at the Palestinians and supported their long-standing battle against occupation and suppression and for an inde- Asian-African Summit 2015 pendent state. Though there has been some pro- The South Centre was invited as an observer organisation to the gress in the economies of developing Asian-African Summit. The following is the speech by the Cen- countries, much of this progress was tre’s Executive Director Martin Khor at the Summit’s plenary on in the one and half decades since 23 April 2015. 2000. However the rather high growth rates in these years may be seen to be quite exceptional due to high demand from the advanced economies plus the new increased demand from some emerging economies. This resulted in high demand and high prices of commodities, which is the main reason why many developing countries, which are still commodity dependent, were able to enjoy high economic growth. This commodity dependence was covered up when there was a commodity boom since 2000 but the dan- gers and weaknesses of relying on commodities is once again haunting the developing world, now that the

developed countries are suffering from an economic slowdown. It is thus imperative to address again the problem of commodities, the fluctuat- ing demand and the need for stable South Centre Executive Director Martin Khor addressing the plenary of the Asian-African Summit in and decent prices, and also the need to Jakarta. add value to raw materials and to climb the manufacturing ladder based he South Centre is very apprecia- rageous Asian and African leaders who first on natural resources. T tive of the wonderful initiative and had won or were in the middle of win- great efforts by the government and ning their battles of independence. The Another major problem is the liber- people of Indonesia for hosting this final communiqué from Bandung in alisation of capital flows. In the Bret- Asian-African Summit in commemora- 1955 contained the 10 principles of the ton Woods era, capital could move tion of the 60th anniversary of the 1955 “Bandung Spirit”, containing the basic only if they were linked to trade and Asian-African Conference held in Ban- principles for South-South cooperation foreign direct investment flows. But dung, and for inviting the South Centre in the South’s efforts to promote peace with financial liberalisation starting in to attend this extraordinary and im- and cooperation in the world. These OECD countries and then more re- portant gathering of countries of the principles remain as valid as ever in cently taking place in developing South. today’s world which is in economic countries, there has been a tremen- and political turmoil. dous upsurge in capital flows arising I bring the warm greetings from our from funds searching higher Chair, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, former The solidarity that the Bandung yields. Thus many developing coun- President of the United Republic of conference leaders forged then was to tries have endured massive inflows Tanzania, the members of the Board, later give rise to the Non Aligned and now outflows of short term and and the Secretariat of the South Centre. Movement and the Group of 77, the speculative capital, with resulting vol- two big umbrella bodies under which This year’s Asian-African Summit is atile fluctuations in exchange rates, the developing countries have been a fitting follow-up to the 1955 Bandung and in drawdown of their foreign re- putting forward joint positions and Asian-African Conference, which serves. participate in many international fora marked the first attempt at multilateral in which they face their former colonial The current crisis situation reveals cooperation between developing coun- masters, now known as the North. that the much touted “convergence” tries “on the basis of mutual interest between developing economies and

and respect for national sovereignty”. The rationale for developing coun- developed countries is not really tak- The Bandung Conference brought to- tries grouping together is still as rele- ing place or at least not fast gether the generation of gifted and cou- vant today as 60 years ago. There are enough. Most developing countries still some nations that are struggling to Page 17 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015

South Centre delegation at the Asian-African Conference 2015 headed by Executive Director Martin Khor. are still dependent on the performance let alone regulate, and the developing ble patterns of production and con- of developed countries and their insti- world is at the receiving end of their sumption, and assist the developing tutions and funds. workings. For the South, the struggles countries through financial resources that started at Bandung 1955 and later and technology transfer to embark on Meanwhile, developed countries at the establishment of NAM and the new sustainable development path- still control the levers of the financial, G77 still are being waged by their suc- ways. monetary and economic systems. The cessors today. IMF and World Bank remain under South-South cooperation, based on their control, with the promises for The South Centre was established solidarity and mutual benefits, will governance reform (changes in quotas) by the leaders of developing countries play an increasingly important role. being unfulfilled, and the leadership of as an intergovernmental think tank of There is much to be done politically these two institutions still remain in the the South to undertake research and and concretely in this area. It is note- ambit of the US and Europe. In other organise meetings to back up develop- worthy that this Asian-African Sum- words, the global economic institutions ing countries when they negotiate with mit’s theme is strengthening South- and structures are still dominated by developed countries in multilateral South cooperation to promote world developed countries, whilst of course negotiations. The Centre also provides peace and prosperity. global military power resides in the advice on national development poli- The South Centre pledges its sup- same ex colonial masters. cies. We are involved in the issues of port to the Asian-African conference trade agreements, investment agree- There is still need for developing and its follow up process, as part of its ments, intellectual property and tech- countries to coordinate among them- support to the developing countries. nology transfer, climate change, biodi- selves and cooperate in the trade, in- We will be pleased to provide assis- versity and sustainable development, vestment and financial and technologi- tance and support for the plans, activi- access to medicines, food security, the cal areas, as they are still dependent on ties and mechanisms that will result global economy and the international the major countries; they still have from the outcomes of this Summit. financial system and the right to devel- common interests which they have to opment, and social and economic Bandung 1955 was a landmark defend and promote. The forms of rights. event that launched many good devel- dependence and subjugation may have opments for the newly independent changed in some ways but the reality We support the opening address of countries. We believe that Jakarta and remains: though the developing coun- the Indonesian President which point- Bandung 2015 could also prove to be a tries won political independence, the ed out the on-going and even worsen- landmark event that catalyses the fur- goal of decolonisation still remains to ing inequalities in the international ther development and breakthroughs be fulfilled. systems, and his call for establishing a in South-South cooperation which to- new world order where the developing Thus it is opportune that Indonesia gether with our better performance in countries have an equal say and enjoy is organising a commemoration of Ban- multilateral relations will implement their fair share of the benefits. dung 1955, as a reminder to Asia and the building of the new world order Africa as well as Latin America that the In this new and more equitable that our first generation of leaders battles they began 60 years ago for eco- world order, the developing countries were dreaming of. nomic decolonisation remain relevant will be able to contribute to the solu- and as valid as ever. The financial and tions to the multiple crises of global economic systems of the world have finance and economy, food security, become more complex and sophisticat- unfulfilled social development, energy ed, including the new financial instru- and climate change. The developed ments that are difficult to understand countries will change their unsustaina-

Page 18 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Revisiting the 1955 Bandung Asian-African Conference and its legacy The Bandung conference of 1955 was the result of political vision and meticulous planning. It marked the first ever summit- African independent countries was a level meeting of independence leaders. It had an extremely im- result of the sacrifices made by their forefathers and by the people of their portant legacy, sparking organisations of developing countries like the NAM and the G77. own and younger generations. “The hall was filled not only by the leaders of the nations of Asia and Africa but also contained within its walls the un- dying, the indomitable, the invincible spirit of those who went before them”, he said. Their struggle and sacrifice paved the way for this meeting of the highest representatives of independent and sovereign nations from two of the biggest continents of the globe. In a historic event, Asian and African peoples were meeting together to discuss and deliberate upon matters of common concern to them. Sukarno stated that the burden of the delegates attending the Conference was not a light one. “For many generations our peoples have been the voice- less ones in the world. We have been the unregarded, the peoples for whom decisions were made by others whose President Sukarno delivering his opening speech at the first Asian-African Conference on 18 April interests were paramount, the peoples 1955 at the Gedung Merdeka building in Bandung. who lived in poverty and humiliation. Then our nations demanded, nay Sukarno’s Opening Speech By Adriano José Timossi fought for independence, and n April 18-24, 1955, leaders of In his opening speech at the first Asian- achieved independence, and with that O Asian and African countries gath- African Conference, President Sukarno independence came responsibility. We ered in a historic meeting in Bandung, of Indonesia recognized that the gather- have heavy responsibilities to our- Indonesia. They included Premiers ing of the leaders of the 29 Asian- selves, and to the world, and to the yet Chou En-Lai of China, Jawaharlal Neh- ru of India, U Nu of Burma, President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt besides President Sukarno of Indonesia, and leaders from Liberia, Sudan, Gold Coast, Jordan, Iran, Ceylon, Nepal, Pa- kistan and Philippines. The meeting of these leaders was a key point in the history of developing countries that gave rise to the Non-Aligned Move- ment (NAM) and the concept of the Third World or the South. At the start of the Cold War between the West and the former Soviet Union, the leaders of the developing countries gathered in Bandung asked for an alternative way of just global governance and global justice, to achieve greater social and economic development for their people, and to continue the process of political and economic decolonization. Two Asian giants—Chou En-Lai of China (left) and Jawaharlal Nehru of India (right) at Bandung 1955.

Page 19 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 one understands, action is easy". Let us remember that the highest purpose of man is the liberation of man from his bonds of fear, his bonds of human degradation, his bonds of poverty – the liberation of man from the physical, spiritual and intellectual bonds which have for too long stunted the development of humanity's majority.” The other 28 leaders also spoke eloquently in calling for unity among Asian and African countries and for greater solidarity, self-determination, mutual respect for sovereignty, non- aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality. The Bandung Final Communi- qué 1955 The Final Communiqué of the 1955 Bandung Asian-African Conference Delegates at the historic Bandung conference in 1955. provided the basis for South-South cooperation with concrete proposals unborn generations. But we do not re- "We will turn this Asian-African Con- for promoting economic, political, gret them”. ference into an afternoon-tea meeting". technological, cultural spheres. It declared full support of the fundamental Below are some extracts of his “I hope that it will give evidence of principles of human rights as set forth speech: the fact that we Asian and African lead- in the Charter of the United Nations ers understand that Asia and Africa can “We are often told ‘Colonialism is and took note of the Universal Decla- prosper only when they are united, and dead’. Let us not be deceived or even ration of Human Rights as a common that even the safety of the World at soothed by that. I say to you, colonial- standard of achievement for all peo- large cannot be safeguarded without a ism is not yet dead. How can we say it ples and all nations in a moment in united Asia-Africa. I hope that this is dead, so long as vast areas of Asia history when many South nations Conference will give guidance to man- and Africa are unfree. And, I beg of were still under Western colonial rule. kind, will point out to mankind the way you do not think of colonialism only in which it must take to attain safety and The communiqué deplored all the classic form which we of Indonesia, peace. I hope that it will give evidence forms of racial segregation and dis- and our brothers in different parts of that Asia and Africa have been reborn, crimination. In declaring support for Asia and Africa, knew. Colonialism has nay, that a New Asia and a New Africa the cause of freedom and independ- also its modern dress, in the form of have been born! ence for all peoples it also deplored economic control, intellectual control, colonialism, in all its manifestations. actual physical control by a small but “Our task is first to seek an under- alien community within a nation. It is a standing of each other, and out of that The communiqué took note that skilful and determined enemy, and it understanding will come a greater ap- several States had still not been admit- appears in many guises. It does not preciation of each other, and out of that ted to the United Nations, and that for give up its loot easily. Wherever, when- appreciation will come collective action. effective cooperation and world peace, ever and however it appears, colonial- Bear in mind the words of one of Asia's membership in the United Nations ism is an evil thing, and one which greatest sons: "To speak is easy. To act should be universal. The leaders also must be eradicated from the earth. is hard. To understand is hardest. Once considered that representation of “If this Conference succeeds in making the peoples of the East whose representatives are gathered here understand each other a little more, appreciate each other a little more, sympathise with each other's problems a little more - if those things happen, then this Con- ference, of course, will have been worthwhile, whatever else it may achieve. But I hope that this Conference will give more than understanding only and goodwill only - I hope that it will falsify and give the lie to the say- Premier Chou En Lai of China and President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt at the 1955 Bandung ing of one diplomat from far abroad: conference. Page 20 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 “8. Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means, such as negotiation, conciliation, arbitration or judicial settlement as well as other peaceful means of the parties' own choice, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations. “9. Promotion of mutual interests and cooperation.

“10. Respect for justice and international obligation.” The 1955 Bandung communiqué concluded by expressing its conviction that friendly cooperation in accordance with the 10 Principles of Ban- dung would effectively contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security, while cooperation in the economic, social and cultural fields would The Liberian delegation in Bandung 1955. help bring about the common prosperity and well-being of all. Asian and African countries in the UN “6. (a) Abstention from the use of What has the Bandung spirit Security Council, in relation to the prin- arrangements of collective defense to achieved in 60 years? ciple of equitable and geographical serve the particular interests of any of distribution, was inadequate, as it is the big powers, In the six decades after the 1955 Ban- today. The right to self-determination, dung Conference that gave rise to the (b) Abstention by any country from stated the communiqué, should be en- “Bandung Spirit” of South-South co- exerting pressures on other countries. joyed by all peoples. operation, decolonization has for the “7. Refraining from acts or threats of most part taken place, with most de- The Ten Bandung Principles enunci- aggression or the use of force against veloping countries now independent. ated in 1955 continue to be as relevant the territorial integrity or political inde- The basic principles of Bandung, today as it was 60 years ago and in the pendence of any country. namely, mutual interest, solidarity decades since. These are as follows: and respect for national sovereignty, “Free from mistrust and fear, and with confidence and goodwill towards each other, nations should practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours and develop friendly cooperation on the basis of the following principles: “1. Respect for fundamental human rights and for the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. “2. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. “3. Recognition of the equality of all races and of the equality of all nations large and small. “4. Abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of another country. “5. Respect for the right of each nation to defend itself singly or collective- ly, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations. Earnest discussion taking place at lunch at the 1955 Bandung conference .

Page 21 ● South Bulletin ● Issue 85, 15 May 2015 Several regional initiatives which have taken shape in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the past decades are also concrete reflections of the ideals of South-South cooperation and solidarity discussed in Bandung and adopted by leaders in the Final Com- muniqué. These include the African Union, the African continent’s primary vehicle for greater continental integration. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Union of South Amer- ican Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) are two newly established initiatives that are contributing to open a new era of integration among the countries of the regions and their representation in global affairs with greater inde- President Sukarno (left) hosting Asian and African leaders during the 1955 Bandung Conference. pendence. It is also the case of Asia, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the continue to play important roles in dung Conference led to the establish- South Asian Association for Regional shaping and guiding the relations of ment in 1961 of the Non-Aligned Move- Cooperation (SAARC) among many developing countries with each other. ment (NAM). This was followed by the other initiatives. The emergence of Developing countries have also joined establishment of the Group of 77 (G77) the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, Chi- the United Nations and actively devel- in 1964. These two multilateral group- na, South Africa) grouping itself, as oped different regional and multilat- ings of the South together enable devel- well as recent projects such as the eral South-South institutions to defend oping countries to actively voice and BRICS Development Bank and the and promote their common interests in articulate their views and perspectives Bank of the South are important ex- the various multilateral negotiating on political and economic issues, respec- amples of the vision of South-South processes. The “Bandung Spirit” con- tively, in the United Nations and other cooperation from Bandung. These tinues to animate and motivate the international arenas and to promote the and many other developments that spirit of South-South cooperation, as unity and solidarity among the develop- have taken place, and which continue can be seen in the fact that the recent ing countries of the South in their com- to take place, in the developing world 60th anniversary commemoration of mon struggle for a fairer world. Other are all examples that point to the con- the 1955 Bandung Conference saw multilateral Southern institutions such tinuing relevance of the intellectual over 100 developing countries from as the South Centre (and its precursor and political legacy of the 1955 Ban- Asia, Africa, and Latin America partic- the South Commission) can also trace dung Conference. ipating. their intellectual and political lineage to the 1955 Bandung Conference and the More importantly, the 1955 Ban- South-South spirit that it engendered. SOUTH BULLETIN EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chief Editor: Martin Khor Managing Editor: Vice Yu Assistants: Xuan Zhang, Anna Bernardo, Adriano José Timossi The South Bulletin is published by the South Centre, an intergovernmental think-tank of developing countries.

South Centre website: (in English, French and Spanish) www.SouthCentre.int South Centre Tel: +41 22 791 8050 View of the Gedung Merdeka building, venue of the Bandung Conference in 1955. Email: [email protected]

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