The observer, Hikmahanto Juwana, when contacted from here to comment on the organization here on Tuesday, said the NAM must reformulate its role so that it will be relevant to the present conditions.
"There must be a reformulation of NAM`s role because there are now no longer western and eastern blocs. So that is what the NAM has to do to remain relevant," he said.
He said NAM members which are mostly developing countries must show its stand and build a common view which is one of NAM`s biggest challenges.
He said the NAM also had to be more vocal in voicing the interests of developing countries such as for example in supporting Palestine.
"With regard to the Palestine issue, can the NAM speak out loud. This issue needs support from the NAM," he said.
"The essence is how voices of the developing nations could be made heard," he said.
The movement now enters its 50th anniversary the commemoration of which will be done in concurrence with the 16th NAM Ministerial Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, on May 23-27.
Global challenges are forcing the NAM to continue to increase its capacity and improve its policies to make its existence remain relevant.
The NAM was established by five figures namely the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Ghana`s President Kwame Nkrumah, India`s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and Indonesian President Soekarno.
The NAM was established during the first summit in Beograd, Yugoslavia in 1961 attended by leaders from 25 countries.
In the first summit it was confirmed that the NAM would not be directed to play a passive role in the international politics but would formulate its own position independently to reflect the interests of member countries.
In the 10th summit in 1992 NAM members agreed on the Jakarta Message, a document containing new visions among others about the NAM`s relevance after the cold war era and about increasing constructive cooperation as an integral component of international relations.
(T.H017/H-YH/HAJM/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
