On 15–16 October, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Kenya H.E. Yurii Tokar took part in the 19th Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in Kampala, Uganda.

During this year's plenary sessions, representatives of more than 40 countries at the ministerial and senior official level focused on issues of international cooperation, overcoming global inequality, energy security and reforming international institutions. Most delegates expressed support for Palestine, while representatives of several countries (including South Africa and Singapore) also mentioning Russia's war against Ukraine.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, which emphasises the priorities of economic transformation, industrial development, strengthening cooperation among countries of the Global South, combating debt burdens, and the need to reform international financial institutions. Special attention was paid to issues of digital and energy security, overcoming global inequality, and intensifying South-South cooperation.

The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni, delivered a speech, outlining the key challenges of the modern world and emphasising the importance of strengthening the political, economic and security independence of the countries of the Global South.

The Global South is increasingly voicing its desire for independence and development. This desire is close to Ukraine, which also defends its right to be free and self-sufficient.

The meeting between Ukrainian Ambassador Yurii Tokar and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda John Mulimba was of great importance. During the conversation, the parties discussed prospects for the development of economic cooperation, updating the legal framework, educational ties and coordination within the international organisations, as well as the situation related to russian aggression against Ukraine. The Ugandan top-diplomat confirmed the Ugandan leadership's commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law, expressed understanding of the Ukrainian people's right to resist occupation, as well as sincere support for the Ukrainian people and sympathy for the numerous civilian casualties and destruction.

During the conference, the Ambassador of Ukraine also held a series of meetings with representatives of other states, international organisations and business circles, Ugandan journalists and representatives of the Ukrainian community in Uganda.

The Non-Aligned Movement is the world's largest association of states after the UN, which are united around the principle of non-involvement in military blocs. Established in 1961 at the First Conference of Heads of State and Government on the initiative of former Yugoslavia, India, Egypt and Sri Lanka, the Movement plays an important role in the activities of the UN and other international institutions, defending common positions on topical issues on the global agenda. Currently, NAM has about 120 member countries, and 18 more states have observer status, including Ukraine.