OSPAAAL secretariat begins work

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.

Delegates from Africa, Asia and Latin America met to coordinate solidarity among liberation struggles against colonialism and imperialism.

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.

Algerian president Houari Boumediene addressed the special session, calling attention to unequal exchange and the right of countries to control their natural resources.