Global Disparities between Developing and Developed Nations have grown due to Technology Gaps and concerns of Weapons of Mass Destruction

President Ranil Wickremesinghe with several heads of state.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe commended President Yoweri Museveni for assuming leadership at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

"Let me begin by congratulating you, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, for taking over the helm of the Non-Aligned Movement at this 19th Summit. Your leadership is even more timely as Uganda assumes this role at a critical moment of collective awareness among countries of the global South. This is the first NAM Summit following the onset of the pandemic, the debt crisis, climate catastrophe, new global competition, and the ensuing multiple implications for the world, particularly, for the Global South.

As we meet today, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Gaza Strip and beyond. For over three months, immense suffering and losses have been endured by the Palestinian civilian population, endangering regional security and stability. Until now, the NAM was largely silent. How can we remain silent when Gaza is destroyed? People were denied humanitarian aid and a vast majority of the dead were innocent civilians. Silence implies consent.

It is encouraging that this 19th Summit has given the highest priority to this crisis in Gaza and the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine to self-determination and the realization of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine. We must congratulate South Africa for its bold stand regarding Gaza. The international community has already called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages.