摘要：The contemporary world is at the brink of widespread conflict and humanitarian catastrophe. This is because of a strong push for t

ByHasan Tarique Chowdhury

The 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference is marked amid a turbulent time. If we take a closer look at the deeper reasons of present conflicts, it is obvious that these current conflicts are very much deep-rooted in the interest of imperialist forces with an intention to establish unilateral control over the natural resources and geopolitical position of a particular country or region of the world. We can see this in the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Challenges of the current world: Unilateralism, war, UN bodies' limitation

The contemporary world is at the brink of widespread conflict and humanitarian catastrophe. This is because of a strong push for the "theory of unilateralism" by some major global powers. This means an aim to revert the present global civilization to modified colonialism, which inevitably takes us back to the 10 principles of the Bandung Conference adopted seven decades ago in Bandung, Indonesia.

Promoters of unilateralism are inclined to advocate several backward and reactionary theories like "white supremacy," limited sovereignty and conflict of civilization. These ideas are derived from a capitalist mindset and monopoly of market contrary to the concepts of shared development. Several United Nations agencies like the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) already warned about the rising risks of trade tensions, weak investment and high debt levels. Consequently, global growth is expected to remain below pre-pandemic levels in the coming days.

The Bandung Principles adequately addressed these issues seven decades ago with a vision of the future. This is the inner vitality of the Bandung Spirit and its relevance even in the 21st century. The Bandung Principles firmly uphold fundamental human rights, abide by the principles of the UN Charter, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, recognize the equality of all races and all countries regardless of size, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Therefore, the Bandung Principles are an important source of international law toward lasting peace and prosperity for all countries.

Xi Jinping thoughts, multifaceted and multi-dimensional diplomacy

We are at a critical juncture of human civilization where the global community requires a grand unity in diversity with mutual respect and integrity. It is a matter of satisfaction that this grand alliance of global civilizations is enriched with the unique thought and wisdom of Chinese President Xi Jinping. With stunning foresight, President Xi has introduced multidimensional diplomacy to build up a new phase of civilization.

The historic Belt and Road Initiative was derived from that outlook of Chinese leadership. As President Xi pointed out the goal to build a global community of shared future, the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Asian infrastructure Investment Bank are all reflecting principles of the Bandung Conference today.

Experience of Bangladesh, BRI, South Asia and Global South

The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, aims to build connectivity and communication infrastructure between the three continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, and to establish an international economic zone.

On October 14, 2016, during his visit to Dhaka, President Xi underscored China's efforts to step up the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Bangladesh government welcomed the BRI from the beginning and officially joined the initiative. In 2016, Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to join the BRI. So far, more than 150 countries have signed up to the initiative, including some in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Consequently, the governments and people are connected with this initiative now, benefiting from each other.

The Bandung Principles strongly call for therecognition of the equality of all races and of the equality of all nations, large and small. They call for the promotion of mutual interests and cooperation; and settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means, such as negotiations, conciliation, arbitration, or judicial settlement, as well as other peaceful means of the parties' own choice, in conformity with the UN Charter. Therefore, this spirit will live long for the sake of the Global South.

The author isthe secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and head of the International Department.

来源：中国网一点号