President John Dramani Mahama has used the 65th Anniversary Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Belgrade, Serbia, to call for stronger international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and other major global challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Mahama said the international community must intensify its efforts to support the people of Sudan, describing the country’s situation as one of the world’s largest and most severe humanitarian crises.
Mahama Calls for Urgent Support for Sudan
President Mahama said more than 12 million people may have been displaced in Sudan, while millions continue to face widespread hunger and serious violations against civilians.
He urged the international community to provide sustained political attention, humanitarian assistance and support for peace efforts to help address the worsening crisis.
According to the Ghanaian President, Sudan’s humanitarian situation requires greater international commitment rather than continued neglect.
Mahama Raises Concern Over Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
President Mahama also drew attention to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing conditions as catastrophic.
He said civilians continue to face serious restrictions on humanitarian assistance, alongside shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, healthcare and electricity.
Mahama called for the protection of civilians and demanded full and unhindered humanitarian access to people affected by the conflict.
He also criticised what he described as the selective application of the principles of the United Nations Charter, stressing the need for consistency in international relations and global diplomacy.
Ghana Renews Call to End Cuba Embargo
The President reiterated Ghana’s call for an end to the longstanding economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
He argued that unilateral coercive measures that undermine sovereign equality, non-interference and the principles of the United Nations Charter ultimately weaken the multilateral system.
Mahama said respect for national sovereignty and international law must remain important principles in global affairs.
Mahama Pushes Economic Sovereignty for Global South
President Mahama further emphasised that economic development remains central to the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.
He argued that political independence becomes more meaningful when countries also have the economic capacity to determine and pursue their own national development priorities.
The President therefore called for resource sovereignty to become a central component of the development agenda of countries in the Global South.
He criticised the global economic structure in which developing countries often export raw materials while importing finished products, despite bearing significant environmental and social costs from resource extraction.
Mahama said the situation highlights the need for developing countries to strengthen economic cooperation and pursue greater value addition to their natural resources.
Mahama Calls for Stronger Climate Change Action
Climate change was another major issue highlighted by President Mahama during the NAM conference.
He warned that the world is facing growing environmental threats, pointing to wildfires in southern Europe, drought and desertification in Africa, and flash floods in parts of China and Nepal linked to melting glaciers.
According to Mahama, these developments demonstrate the urgency of addressing climate change and global warming.
He called on Non-Aligned Movement countries to speak with one voice and strengthen international advocacy and action on climate change.
Mahama Wants Stronger Voice for Global South
President Mahama said the diversity of NAM member states should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
He urged countries within the movement to build on their shared interests and coordinate their positions on issues where collective action could produce meaningful results.
Ghana, he said, remains committed to working with NAM members to strengthen multilateralism, promote a fairer international order and increase the influence of the Global South in global decision-making.
‘Neither East Nor West, But Forward Together’
President Mahama concluded his address by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and calling for a renewed spirit of cooperation.
“As we look to the future, our direction remains clear. Neither East nor West, but forward together,” he stated.
He urged NAM member states to renew the spirit of the historic Belgrade Conference and transform their collective strength into practical action that delivers greater benefits for their citizens.
The President’s address comes at a time when issues including global conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change, economic inequality, debt and geopolitical tensions continue to shape international relations.
Source: newsthemegh.com