Illustration: Virtual Museum of the Asian-African Conference
Every April 18, the world commemorates a milestone in the history of global diplomacy by commemorating the Asia-Africa Conference (KAA) as one of the manifestations of the vision of world peace.
On April 18-24, 1955, Gedung Merdeka in Bandung, Indonesia became a silent witness to this historic momentum, when leaders from Asia and Africa gathered to realize the vision of economic and cultural cooperation, and to oppose the domination of colonialism and neocolonialism, both from the United States, the Soviet Union, and other imperialist countries.
The KAA was born from the shared consciousness of countries in Asia and Africa that had just achieved independence after World War II. They hoped for a better future and conflict-free peace.
Five countries became pioneers in the KAA. The initiating figures were Ali Sastroamijoyo from Indonesia, Mohammad Ali Bogra from Pakistan, Jawaharlal Nehru from India, Sir John Kotelawala from Sri Lanka, and U Nu from Myanmar.
A total of 29 Asian and African countries also sent their representatives to gather in Bandung in a conference known as the Bandung Conference.
KAA became the forerunner of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and marked an era of closer relations between countries in Asia and Africa.
The principles of respect for sovereignty and integrity, as well as the spirit of cooperation that underpins relations between nations, were the main focus of the conference.
Although nearly seven decades have passed since the KAA, its message and principles remain relevant amid the complexities of the modern world.
In this era, geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts are increasingly prominent. Cooperation and solidarity between Asian and African countries have become increasingly important.
The Asian-African Conference Day is a time to reflect on the values of peace, cooperation and mutual understanding, as the foundation for building a better future for all.
As a legacy of the KAA, today is an opportunity to remember the spirit of unity and cooperation between two distinct continents, reflecting shared aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity.
As we celebrate the achievements of the past, we are also reminded to continue to carry these values forward in the face of the challenges ahead.
In our diversity lies strength, and in our cooperation, hope.
Happy Asian-African Conference Day.
Article compiled from several sources (KJ/AW/KJ)