President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to the organisation’s objectives as a member state, highlighting the importance of AALCO in addressing contemporary global challenges such as economic inequalities, climate change, technological advancements including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as conflicts.
The remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) session that has officaily opened in Kampala.
The meeting in Uganda is the 63rd Annual Session, bringing together over 47 delegates from Asian and African countries. The meeting is being held at Speke Resort Munyonyo from 8th to 12th September.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, expressed his gratitude as this is the second time that Uganda is hosting the AALCO Session after hosting the previous gathering in 1993.
In her own remarks, Speaker Anita Among commended the Secretary-General of AALCO for maintaining close relations with member states and international organisations, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and active engagement in the international law-making process.
This year’s session is focussing on on key legal discussions to strengthen the role of member states in shaping international trade and investment, human rights, space law, sustainable development, environmental protection, cybercrime, and sovereignty, among other pressing issues.
Agreements reached between African and Asian nations during this gathering will be presented on the global stage of international law.
At the previous AALCO session, held in Bangkok in September last year, Uganda was elected Vice-Chair of the 63rd Session, paving the way for it to host this year’s meeting, which runs from Monday to Friday.
session will provide an opportunity to deliberate on key principles of international law, with the aim of building consensus and common understanding among member states.
Meanwhile, AALCO Secretary-General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol praised the Government and people of Uganda for their hospitality, and reiterated the organisation’s relevance in tackling pressing issues such as climate change, the protection of migrant workers, and emerging technologies.
Hon. Nobert Mao underscored the importance of addressing challenges faced by citizens of developing countries when traveling, particularly restrictions related to immigration. He emphasized the need for bilateral agreements to facilitate freer movement of citizens and expressed hope that issues affecting Ugandans traveling to destinations such as Dubai will be given due attention during the session.
Additionally, other two items have been introduced to the agenda: “Provisions on Aggression and the Use of Force in International Law” and “Violations of International Law by the Rapid Support Force in Sudan.