Over 70 years ago, the Asian-African Conference—better known as the Bandung Conference—sparked a movement that still resonates today. Held in Bandung, Indonesia, on April 18, 1955, this historic event united 29 Asian and African countries to stand against imperialism and colonialism, defending their right to self-determination with a spirit of solidarity, friendship, and cooperation.
Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, delivered an inspiring call to action, declaring that colonialism must be eradicated everywhere and emphasizing that Asia and Africa could only prosper by standing together. His words echo like a timeless rallying cry for justice and unity.
Enhancing this vision, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai proposed establishing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as a cornerstone for global cooperation. These principles, which emerged from early discussions with India and later with Myanmar, have since been recognized as fundamental norms in international relations.
Today, the Bandung Spirit continues to motivate countries in the Global South to pursue common development through win-win cooperation under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Think of it as the ultimate team-up moment—nations uniting for a fairer, stronger world! 🌍🤝
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70 years on, Bandung Spirit charts course for Global South development
cgtn.com
