Anwar’s Asean chairmanship can lead Global South into a new era

 

From Shahridan Faiez

In 2025, two significant events will converge: the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference and Anwar Ibrahim’s assumption of the Asean chairmanship.

Both moments present an opportunity for a renewed push towards south-south cooperation and a revival of the ideals that once brought newly independent nations together in the mid-20th century.

In the face of growing global instability, Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in Asean could play a pivotal role in fostering a new era of solidarity among the Global South.

The world today has become an increasingly divided and unpredictable place.

The forces of multipolarism are reshaping alliances, forcing countries to reconsider their diplomatic and economic loyalties. International norms are being flouted with increasing frequency, and Israel’s blatant disregard for international law, particularly through its horrific crimes in Palestine and Lebanon, sets a dangerous precedent for others with imperial ambitions.

The situation today has striking parallels with the geopolitical environment of the 1950s.

It was then, in 1955, that the Bandung Conference brought together 29 newly independent nations from Africa and Asia to demand a world order that respected the sovereignty of nations and their right to self-determination.

Bandung planted the seed for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that provided a framework for newly independent nations to focus on rebuilding their economies and societies amidst the destabilising pressures of the Cold War.

In 2025, as we approach the 70th anniversary of that momentous occasion, the same need for global justice and equality resounds.

Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for the countries of the Global South to come together and send a unified message.

Just as the original Bandung Conference rejected the dominance of any single bloc or ideology, today’s leaders must find common ground in a new, cohesive non-aligned movement focused on sustainable development, social justice, poverty alleviation, and tackling the global climate crisis.

The challenge for Anwar Ibrahim, as he steps into the role of Asean chair, will be to channel the spirit of Bandung into meaningful action.

As the world faces heightened tensions and environmental calamities, the Global South must once again rise to the occasion and chart a course toward a more equitable and just world order.

Anwar’s leadership can set the tone for this collective revival, striking a new chord of unity, development and shared progress. - FMT

Dr Shahridan Faiez is a trustee of Citizens International, an action-based human rights non-governmental organisation based in George Town, Penang, and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of MMKtT.