Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has called on members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to forge a stronger common position on global affairs, arguing that greater unity is critical if developing countries are to have more influence in international decision-making.
Dr Mwinyi made the call yesterday in Belgrade, Serbia, while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a high-level meeting marking 65 years since the first NAM summit.
He said the principles that brought NAM together in 1961 remain relevant as developing countries confront conflicts, economic pressures and an international system in which decision-making power remains concentrated among a few major powers.
“Non-alignment does not mean having no position,” Dr Mwinyi said, stressing that the principle gives countries the freedom to make decisions based on their national interests while protecting their sovereignty.
His remarks point to a renewed emphasis on NAM as a platform through which developing countries can collectively push for greater influence rather than allowing individual countries to address major global issues separately.
Dr Mwinyi said conflicts should be addressed through dialogue, mediation and confidence-building, but warned that lasting peace would remain difficult unless their underlying causes—including injustice, inequality and exclusion are also addressed.
He also renewed calls for reforms to the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council, saying the current global governance architecture needs to better reflect the interests and realities of developing countries.
Africa, he said, deserves greater and fairer representation in international decision-making.
The call comes amid growing pressure from developing countries for reforms to international financial institutions and global governance structures, where they argue their economic weight and population are not adequately reflected in decision-making.
Dr Mwinyi further backed stronger South-South cooperation and closer engagement between NAM and BRICS, particularly in development financing and reforms to the global governance system.
However, he stressed that such cooperation should preserve NAM’s principles and identity.
He said Tanzania would continue supporting a united and effective NAM focused on peace, the right to development, South-South cooperation and a more balanced international order.
The meeting, held under the theme “The Legacy of Non-Alignment: Lessons for Today’s World,” was opened by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and attended by senior government leaders and heads of delegation from 34 countries.