The First Non-Aligned Summit Held in 1961

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was founded in 1961, and the first summit was held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) in the same year. The NAM was established as an alternative to the existing power blocs of the Cold War era, namely the United States-led Western bloc and the Soviet Union-led Eastern bloc.

Background

The idea of non-alignment had been proposed by leaders of newly independent nations who wanted to avoid taking sides in the Cold War. The Bandung Conference, held in Indonesia in 1955, was a precursor to the NAM and brought together leaders of 29 Asian and African countries who were committed to promoting economic and political cooperation among their nations.

Establishment of NAM

The NAM was officially established at the Belgrade Summit in 1961, attended by leaders of 25 countries. The founding members included India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt's President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Yugoslavia's President Josip Broz Tito, and Indonesia's President Sukarno.

Objectives

The NAM's primary objective was to promote peace, security, and cooperation among its member states, while maintaining their independence and sovereignty. The movement aimed to provide a platform for developing countries to voice their concerns and interests in the international arena.

Achievements

Over the years, the NAM has played an important role in promoting disarmament, decolonization, and the rights of developing countries. It has also supported the struggles of oppressed peoples, such as the people of Palestine and South Africa.

Conclusion

The first NAM summit held in 1961 marked the beginning of a new era in international relations, one that sought to promote cooperation among nations based on the principles of non-alignment. The movement has since grown to include 120 member states and remains an important voice for the developing world.