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Speech by H.E. Sophia Tesfamariam

Permanent Representative of the State of Eritrea to the United Nations

At the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

15-16 October, 2025

Kampala, Uganda

Your Honor, Jeje Odongo Abubakar

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda,

Excellencies and Distinguished Delegations,

First, allow me to express my delegation’s sincere gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Uganda for their generous welcome and the outstanding preparations for this 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement. We recognize Uganda’s leadership as the Chair of our Movement and acknowledge the continuous efforts made to promote the results of the 19th Summit held here in January 2024.

Mr. President,

As we gather today to consider and evaluate the developments and obstacles since the Summit, it is alarming that humanity still faces dangerous global peace and security issues, geopolitical divisions, growing inequalities, environmental emergencies, and the ongoing exclusion of the Global South from global decision-making.

For countries belonging to the Non-Aligned Movement, these circumstances highlight the ongoing importance of the Movement’s original values: unity, mutual respect, true collaboration and partnership, non-intervention, and the right of every nation to follow its own course of development.

Mr. President,

The fundamental reasons behind the complex and interconnected challenges confronting humanity stem from various elements. Nevertheless, the evident shortcomings of the current global governance system lie at its center. Based on the flawed concept of a “rules-based international order,” the existing global governance framework has consistently and continues to incite conflicts and proxy wars, encourage military aggression, strip communities of resources, and monopolize them, while violating the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

Mr. President,

The current global economic and financial systems—representing an unjust and exclusive international structure—are fundamentally created to benefit a small group and the limited perspectives of ‘neo-liberal economics’ by exploiting and monopolizing the world economy and wealth, thereby increasing poverty in various countries. Moreover, the hidden institutionalization of corruption serves as another method of control and exploitation.

The extent of resource exploitation in developing nations via ‘neo-colonial’ systems is so apparent that it doesn’t require further explanation. Africa, a Continent possessing 60% of the World’s natural resources, serves as a clear example. It is ironic that this resource-abundant region continues to supply raw materials essential for the economies and high-tech products of the so-called ‘developed countries’ at a very low cost. In return, the Continent buys back processed goods at a significantly higher price, resulting in severe trade deficits and perpetuating widespread poverty among most African nations.

Furthermore, the Continent has experienced wars and disputes that were initiated from outside, with the sole aim of intervention and control.

Mr. President,

The concept of “shared global prosperity,” which serves as the central focus of the Ministerial Conference, can only be achieved once the consequences of the previously mentioned flaws and incorrect foundations within the current global governance system are addressed.

Embracing this admirable vision involves creating significant and balanced relationships of collaboration and partnership to enhance our joint commitments and resources by advocating for fairness and justice, along with mutual respect for national independence and sovereignty. For this purpose, our Movement will need improved standards and a renewed outlook to correct the injustices resulting from ineffective global governance and to meet the goals set before us, thereby attaining a common global prosperity.

Mr. President,

In its own right, Eritrea continues to focus on fostering economic independence, social fairness, and cooperation among developing nations, along with balanced international alliances. We will keep improving partnerships with NAM members, boosting trade, sharing technology, and investing in human resources, aiming to create strong, self-governing economies that can significantly contribute to worldwide wealth and success.

Eritrea emphasizes the sovereign rights of every state, regardless of size, and highlights the significance of honoring their independence, territorial unity, and right to make their own decisions. We emphasize the values of multilateralism, peaceful coexistence, and the safeguarding of the sovereignty of all nations, which continue to be essential to our collective future. Eritrea firmly opposes any reckless efforts that violate these fundamental principles in the name of supposed geopolitical gains, as such actions could result in unprecedented regional and global instability.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, Eritrea calls on all NAM member states to harness their unused resources and commit to creating a global system based on the equal and complete involvement of every member state, rather than unilateral actions and the ineffective ‘rules-based order.’ NAM member states must reaffirm their unique and historical duty to maintain the sacred principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all nations and peoples, as outlined in the UN Charter and the Bandung Principles.

Eritrea expresses its continued support for all Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member nations in advancing peace, justice, and sustainable development. In this context, we reaffirm our strong backing for the Palestinian People’s right to self-determination, which is an inherent and legitimate right that should never be undermined. We also call for the complete removal of all unilateral coercive measures and sanctions imposed on NAM member states, such as Cuba, Eritrea, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

I Thank You!

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