Addressing personages such as Raoul Castro Ruz, acting president of the Republic of Cuba and acting chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement and Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, PM Spencer said that multilaterism, or the process of involving more than two nations in decision-making, is under siege in this modern-day world.

He further stated that multilateralism is under threat by those who would prefer a unilateral or north to south command, to “further their own goals and ideals, with reckless disregard for the political and economic security of developing countries, some of us small and extremely vulnerable.”

Antigua & Barbuda has had continued struggles with the United States government on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) decisions concerning Internet gambling. The United States has been accused of using its economic and political power to circumvent the WTO’s ruling allowing Internet gambling, a clear example of what Spencer referred to in his speech.

The PM was adamant that although there is power in military and economic might, there is also power in numbers. He implored the members of NAM to build a strong and lasting multilateral framework, one where countries work together as equal, sovereign states to pursue common goals in order to succeed in their quest for lasting peace and security among nations.

He referred to those who may question the NAM’s ability to effect such a change and he said that his address is an indication of the need for, “revitalisation and reinvigoration in the face of global challenges.” The Non-Aligned Movement has struggled to find relevance since the end of the Cold War but has been strong in its stance against imperialism and all forms of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference as well as against great power and bloc politics.

Becoming a member of NAM in May 2006 along with Dominica, Spencer said that one of the factors influencing the country’s decision to move from observation status to full membership is the belief in NAM’s relevance and usefulness in working towards a stable, peaceful and tolerant world, and to serve as a vehicle for nations to manage common problems in a collective manner, as well as sharing resources, experiences and technology for development.

Additionally, Spencer said that within the circle of the United Nations, the NAM is an excellent vehicle to pursue South-South cooperation and can be an effective counterbalance to the forces that threaten multilateralism and seek to impose the will of a few on the majority of the world’s people.

The PM concluded, “within this movement, we should always remember that peace and security go hand-in-hand with improved standards of social and economic wellbeing, and that, if nothing else, we should leave as our legacy a world economic and political order that future generations will be happy to inherit and inhabit.”

NAM, is an international organisation of over 100 states which consider themselves not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. They represent nearly two-thirds of the United Nations’ members and comprise 55 per cent of the world population.

Source: antigusun.com; Nikisha Smith