NAM operates from an administrative style that seeks to be unique, non-hierarchical, rotational and inclusive which allows all Member States without any differentiation or discrimination to participate in global decision-making and world politics.
The Movement has developed a body of principles, concepts, programs and agreements on methodology which constitute the guide or basis for its functioning and represent a consensus among its member countries. They are contained in declarations, action programs, resolutions, statements, reports and other texts adopted summits or ministerial conference.
NAM works with the following structure:
- Presidency
- Coordinating Bureau
- Working Groups, Contact Groups, Task Forces and Committees
- Non-Aligned Security Council Caucus
- Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC)
Presidency
This instance is rotatably occupied by members of the different geographical regions that make up the Movement. The host country of a summit automatically takes the Chair of the Movement for a period of three years until the completion of the upcoming summit, and assumes responsibility for coordinating all activities of the forum.
Coordinating Bureau
Established at ministerial level at the Algiers summit in 1973, the Bureau is responsible for making preparations for summits and ministerial meetings. It is the focal point for coordinating activities and positions of the member countries of the Movement, particularly in the United Nations.
Verifies and harmonizes the work of the working groups, contact groups, panels and committees of the NAM. Meets in New York and one of its main functions is to promote concerted and unified actions by non-aligned countries in the United Nations and other international forums. Currently, the Bureau is open to all members of the Movement composition.
Working Groups, Contact, Special and Standing Committees
Working groups have an important role in the preparatory and coordination work. They work within the framework of the main political organs of the UN. They initiate and promote resolutions, gather support for them, coordinate speakers on topics, etc.
These groups are coordinated by different countries. Currently, the working groups which are more active in their work are: Disarmament, Human Rights, Operations for Peacekeeping, Legal Affairs, Palestine and the reform of the Security Council.
Non-Aligned Security Council Caucus
Without prejudice to their sovereign rights, non-aligned members of the Security Council are geared to adopt common positions in that forum on the basis of the decisions and positions agreed by the Movement in its meetings.
Joint Coordination Committee (JCC)
This committee is responsible for the coordination and cooperation between the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 + China in promoting the interests of developing countries in international forums.
PROCESS
Decision making
All decisions are taken by a consensus mechanism to strengthen the solidarity and unity of the NAM. The consensus in the Movement presupposes respect for different points of view and, even when the methodology states that consensus, while signifying substantial agreement, it does not require implying unanimity. If a country disagrees, it may register its reservations.
High-level meetings
- Conference of Heads of State or Government (Summit) is held every three years, following the principle of geographical rotation.
- Ministerial Conferences: are held between summits, also following the principle of geographical rotation.
- Ministerial Meetings of the Coordinating Bureau: are held few months before a summit with the aim to coordinate positions for this. They take place in the country holding the presidency of the Movement.
- Ministerial Meetings in New York during the regular session of the General Assembly of the UN are held annually.
- Other high-level meetings, such as extraordinary ministerial meetings, meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Methodology, meetings of the Permanent Ministerial Committee on Economic Cooperation, ministerial meetings on various aspects of international cooperation, ministerial meetings on information, including on issues of specific interest to the Non-Aligned Movement members.
