|
Bandung
Spirit-Genesis and Revitalization for 21st Century
****************************************************
Dear friends,
2005 is the 50th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference held in
1955 in Indonesia. Non-aligned Movement was created to carry forward the
principles and policies enunciated in Bandung which came to be known as
"Bandung Spirit".
Although the world has completely changed during these fifty years,
nevertheless what was stipulated at the "Bandung " still remain valid.
With the disintegration of the Soviet Union and ending both the Cold War
and bipolarity in international relations peace dividend for rapid
economic development in the Afro-Asian- Latin America countries has not
trickled down as pronounced by the developed countries.
Meantime the Non-Aligned Movement has weakened both as a result of the
internecine conflicts in and within the countries of the movement and
also the extensive interference by powerful countries in its internal
affairs. After enormous set backs NAM countries have realized the
historical importance of revitalizing the Bandung Spirit. It is in this
context that the Asian-African Summit was convened in Jakarta on 22-23
April 2005 by the Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement. AAPSO too was
invited as an observer and a delegate from our organization
participated. We have already circulated this report of our delegate
among our national committees and friends and well wishers.
"Bandung" was commemorated in several countries and there was a great
debate among scholars, historians and NGOs through the Internet. AAPSO
too organized an international conference in Cairo in March 2005 which
was well attended. Several national committees too had organized their
own commemorative meeting.
Nevertheless, the "Bandung Spirit" is not only the concern of the
states, the people have a great responsibility since it is they who will
be affected by the ongoing problems of the world. What is necessary is
strengthening the peoples' movement to take positive direction of NAM to
reinforce the Bandung spirit in the environment of the 21st century.
Therefore AAPSO in coordination with the Philippine Peace and Solidarity
Council has decided to convene an international conference in Manila
under the above theme on 28th-29th November 2005. We hereby invite you
to participate and contribute to this conference. AAPSO is not in a
position to provide travelling for delegates. But internal hospitality
including accommodation will be provided during the conference.
We propose the following sub-themes to be discussed:-
1) The historical importance of Bandung
2) The application of Bandung spirit to the contemporary challenges.
3) Bandung spirit and reguanation of NAM.
4) Bandung spirit to provide new dimensions to globalization.
5) The role of the Civil Society in mobilizing the people to face these
challenges.
Dr.
Morad Ghaleb,President
Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain,Secretary-General | 
