Al Jazeera – All News published an opinion article on 28 September 2026 titled “We need to talk about Bandung”. The piece argues that the historic 1955 Bandung Conference, which brought together newly independent Asian and African states, remains a reference point for today’s efforts to strengthen South‑South collaboration.
The article notes that the original Bandung gathering laid the groundwork for the Non‑Aligned Movement and sought to promote political self‑determination, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among developing nations. It contends that the principles articulated in Bandung have been diluted in recent decades as geopolitical rivalries and trade imbalances have reshaped international relations.
According to the author, contemporary challenges such as climate change, digital divide, and supply‑chain vulnerabilities underscore the need for a renewed collective agenda. The opinion piece suggests that a modern reinterpretation of Bandung could provide a platform for coordinated policy, joint research initiatives, and shared infrastructure projects that address these cross‑cutting issues.
The article also highlights the growing interest among younger leaders in the Global South to revive the spirit of Bandung, pointing to recent regional summits that have referenced the conference’s ethos. It calls for the establishment of a new institutional mechanism, possibly under the auspices of the United Nations, to facilitate regular dialogue and monitor progress on agreed priorities.
Al Jazeera’s commentary concludes that without a concerted effort to revisit Bandung’s foundational ideas, the Global South risks missing an opportunity to shape a more equitable international order. It urges policymakers, civil society, and academia to engage in a sustained conversation about how the legacy of Bandung can be adapted to the realities of the 21st century.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2026/9/28/we-need-to-talk-about-bandung?traffic_source=rss.