SHIFTING FOCUS TO MUTUAL BENEFIT TOWARD PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

SINGAPORE — Last week I was invited to attend a ceremony in Beijing, China, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and to share my views on the vision and mission of the Global South "in a shifting landscape."

As I understand it, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence came into being in the early 1950s, proclaimed by China, India and Myanmar (Burma) in joint diplomatic statements; these principles were intended to guide the practice of modern international relations. It was then a time of national jubilation around the world when many newborn countries had just shaken off the yoke of colonialism and were attempting to claim their rightful place on the international stage, equal to both their former colonial masters as well as their new brethren countries.

The five core principles were mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. They formed the basis of the Bandung Declaration soon afterward, as Afro-Asian countries gathered in the Indonesian city of Bandung to celebrate their solidarity. These principles were later also incorporated in various United Nations documents and may thus be said to have acquired undisputed status as the basis for how countries, big and small, should regard one another as they interact with one another. And that was no small feat for a set of principles originating from what has come to be called the Global South of primarily developing countries.

These Five Principles are still very much relevant 70 years later, as they remain a foundation for international diplomacy, both within and outside of the Global South, advocating for a fair and just world order. But, as I would propose below, to remain relevant for the next 70 years, there should be a subtle shift in focus among these Five Principles. In the past 70 years, as many countries in the Global South struggled with "growing pains" and sought worldwide recognition, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and even equality were paramount as these countries built up their interactions. But going forward, there should be more focus on attaining mutual benefits, which would, in turn, hopefully bring about peaceful coexistence in an amorphous world filled with uncertainties.

Indeed, the Global South should sharpen its vision. It needs, for example, a collective identity that goes beyond shared historical experiences, such as colonialism and past economic exploitation, toward more self-reliance and mutual support. Besides, the Global South should come up with developmental goals that promote sustainable development, poverty eradication and social justice, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The idea of South-South cooperation, which prioritizes partnerships and collaborative initiatives among developing countries to foster economic growth and technological advancement, must also be transformed into practice.

To realize these visions, the Global South would also need to task itself with a series of missions. There should be a move toward diplomatic solidarity that advocates for solidarity in international forums to amplify their voice and influence global policies. There should also be economic empowerment that focuses on building resilient economies through diversification, regional (if not global) free trade agreements, reducing dependency and moving toward more meaningful self-reliance and, ultimately, socioeconomic resilience. Cultural exchanges should also be carried out among countries of the Global South, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, culture and innovation to strengthen ties and promote mutual understanding.

Equipped with such visions and missions among themselves, the countries of the Global South would be more effective in addressing some of the more exigent global challenges in tandem with their counterparts in the Global North. For instance, the increasingly unpredictable climate change calls for equitable climate actions that consider the disproportionate impact on developing nations and advocate for climate justice and financial support from more developed countries in the Global North. Health and well-being must also not be forgotten, and countries of the Global South should stress the importance of equitable access to healthcare and vaccines, and promote international cooperation in public health. Peace and security, being the foundation for peaceful coexistence, should also be front and center. The Global South should support conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy and oppose the undermining of their respective sovereignties.

All these are pitched against a shifting global landscape nowadays. We live in an increasingly multipolar world, where multiple countries and regions play significant roles, reducing the dominance of any single omnipotent power. Rapid technology changes and fast-paced innovation require countries of the Global South to invest in digital transformation and technological innovation as drivers of their economic growth and societal development. More than ever, trade and investment are indispensable for countries of the Global South, so they should seek to create fairer trade practices and attract sustainable investments that benefit their local communities and economies.

Looking ahead at prospects, the youth and the education communities in the Global South should also be involved. We cannot overemphasize the importance of education and youth empowerment to build a knowledgeable and innovative future generation, one that could tackle the multifaceted challenges of developing countries. There should also be inclusive governance in the countries of the Global South, one that promotes inclusive and participatory governance structures that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of all of their citizens. At the end of the day, the Global South would need to redouble its global influence, with aims to increase its presence and visibility in shaping a more equitable and just global order, ensuring that its perspectives and priorities are adequately represented in international and regional arenas.

In conclusion, countries of the Global South should reaffirm their commitment to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as a guide for building a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world. Calls for continued solidarity among Global South countries and with like-minded partners worldwide are still resounding to achieve shared goals and address common challenges. And a renewed focus on mutual benefits should be a cornerstone for these lofty aims toward peaceful coexistence.

2024-07-02T16:13:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd