The confab held under the theme "Commemorating 70 Years of the Bandung Spirit: The Role of Parliaments in Upholding the Bandung Principles," brought together parliamentarians and dignitaries from across the Global South into Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Delivering a statement on behalf of The Gambia, Kebba Lang Fofana, head of Delegation, paid tribute to the ‘Bandung Spirit’ that inspired the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement 70 years ago, describing it as a defining moment in international relations and a powerful symbol of unity among newly independent states.
Hon. Fofana also reflected on the Bandung Conference of 1955 as a defining moment in world history, where former colonised nations stood together to demand dignity, sovereignty, and freedom.
"It was not merely a meeting of nations, it was a revolution of the spirit," he remarked, evoking the vision of leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Gamal Abdel Nasser.
He reminded delegates that the principles of non-interference, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain essential in today's global context, where inequalities persist and the sovereignty of smaller nations is often challenged.
Speaking from The Gambia's own experience, Hon. Fofana recounted the country's struggle for democracy and its peaceful transition in 2017 as a testimony to the enduring relevance of the Bandung Spirit.
"As parliamentarians, we are the bridge between the past and the future. We must ensure these principles are not just remembered, but lived," he stressed.
He thus urged fellow lawmakers to champion human rights, democracy, and South-South cooperation.
