On April 18-24, 1955, Bandung, Indonesia, hosted the Asia-Africa Conference that pioneered the Global South’s general approaches to international politics and economics and to the fight against colonialism and neo-colonialism.

       Subsequently, the Bandung Spirit exerted considerable influence on the emergence of international political identity of developing countries and contributed to the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement.

       The Soviet Union was active in supporting the Global South countries in their fight against neo-colonialism. In many respects, the USSR’s economic and political support was an important resource that these countries used to evolve and strengthen their positions.

       Marked in 2025, the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference is a significant event for both Indonesia and Russia, as well as for the non-Western world as a whole.

       It points to the importance of solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries belonging to the Global Non-West and South under the extremely critical modern conditions.

       The Bandung anniversary is of special importance for the activities pursued by BRICS, a group that reflects the interests and values shared by the Global Non-West and South. It is also important to recall the principles and role of Bandung in connection with BRICS’s decision to accept Indonesia to full membership as of January 2025.

       This report reflects the positioning of the historical memory about Bandung for today’s young people in Indonesia and other countries. It also offers recommendations on more effective ways of popularizing the ideas of Bandung through projects in education and arts.

       The report considers separately how the Bandung Spirit of solidarity could help the Global Non-West and South to evolve a position with regard to the “war for rare-earth metals” unleashed by the United States.

       Report_The Bandung Conference

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