CGSS Participation at the Webinar organized by the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Baku, Azerbaijan


On 4th August 2020, Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad participated and delivered speech at a Webinar titled “The Non-Aligned Movement and the Covid-19 Pandemic”. This Webinar was organized by Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Baku, Azerbaijan. The session was commenced with the opening remarks by Dr. Farid Shafiyev, Chairman, Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Baku, Azerbaijan who welcomed the speakers and participants of the session. He stated that this Webinar is organized to assess the current situation and the role of NAM during this pandemic. The recent COVID-19 outbreak has a number of challenges. It is more than just a health and economic crises with interference in the political domain also.
Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS stated that the member countries of the NAM have expressed their concern over the rapid spread of the deadly virus, which poses a major challenge to humanity. Under such circumstances, collective, coordinated and cooperative response from States and the international community is required to win the battle against the invisible enemy. In that regard, the Non-Aligned Movement has emphasized on the principles of multilateralism and has called for international cooperation, the spirit of solidarity and a high level of ethical and humanist commitment. The Non-Aligned Movement has backed the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, he stated that the decision to establish the Non-Aligned Movement Task Force is a remarkable achievement of the May 2020 virtual Summit under the theme of “United against COVID-19 pandemic”. Another noteworthy accomplishment of this virtual summit is the Declaration drafted in the end of the meeting which demonstrates the member states’ support for the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Pakistan is a committed and responsible member in the comity of states, to make concerted efforts in combating the pandemic. Pakistan participated in the special online summit on United against COVID-19 where President Dr. Arif Alvi represented the country. Pakistan has continued to remain an active member of the movement and has contributed and shaped the movement’s position on a wide range of political, legal, economic and social issues.
Mr. Jauhen Zadrucki, representative of Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research, Minsk, Belarus appreciated and acknowledged the role of Azerbaijani leaders in multilateral diplomacy between the member states of NAM. He stated that Belarus expresses its full support to the health organizations that are fighting in response to this global pandemic.
Dr. Vasif Huseynov, Senior Advisor, Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Baku, Azerbaijan highlighted the role of NAM in the global fight against the pandemic. He stated that the virtual summit of the member states on May 4, 2020 is the highest level of global solidarity event in the history of NAM. He stated that NAM has the potential to address the regional and global challenges.

Photo Gallery