Tricontinental Conference opens in Havana

Governments seeking independence from Cold War military blocs convened in Belgrade. Anti-colonialism and a collective voice in world affairs were central concerns.

The inaugural summit concluded by advancing peaceful coexistence, decolonization and a more independent role for developing countries in international politics.

African states signed the OAU Charter in Addis Ababa, giving institutional form to continental solidarity, decolonization and cooperation.

UNCTAD I convened in Geneva to debate commodity trade, market access and development finance at a time when newly independent states sought greater influence over trade rules.

At the end of UNCTAD I, 77 states issued a joint declaration, creating the Group of 77 as a collective negotiating voice on economic development.

The Organization of Solidarity with the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America established its executive secretariat to sustain cross-continental support after the Havana conference.

G77 ministers set out a common agenda for development, trade and solidarity, strengthening the group’s continuing institutional role.

The Algiers political declaration raised the demand for a New International Economic Order to change unequal patterns of trade, finance and control over resources.

The General Assembly decided to hold a special session on development and international economic cooperation, bringing demands from non-aligned countries onto the UN agenda.

The General Assembly convened to address raw materials and development, giving developing states a venue to press for changes in the international economic system.