• The 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference emphasizes the relevance of the 'Bandung Spirit' for the Global South.
• Indonesia's membership in BRICS reflects a shift towards pragmatic cooperation within a multipolar world.
• Experts argue for the Bandung principles of non-interference and mutual respect as essential for addressing global challenges.

The 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, held in April 2025, saw international relations experts from Global South countries discussing the enduring significance of the 'Bandung Spirit' in addressing contemporary issues. The conference, originally convened in 1955, highlighted crucial principles such as non-interference and cooperation among nations, which are increasingly relevant in today's multipolar world, according to The Jakarta Post.

During this commemorative event in Bandung, experts identified BRICS, a coalition of emerging economies, as a platform that embodies the values espoused during the original conference. Founded in 2009, BRICS includes countries like Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and has recently welcomed Indonesia as a member. Wang Hui, a Chinese history professor, remarked, “BRICS, to some extent, is a development of the Bandung Spirit,” emphasizing its significance in promoting justice and economic equality among its member nations, according to The Jakarta Post.

While the Bandung principles focus on maintaining sovereignty and peaceful coexistence, the current geopolitical landscape poses challenges for an effective non-alignment strategy. Many countries in the Global South still face economic disparities and diminishing influence in international decision-making processes. Experts assert that applying the tenets of equality and cooperation outlined in the Bandung Declaration remains crucial for ensuring the voices of developing nations are amplified within global institutions, according to Dawn.

The Bandung Conference of 1955 was a landmark meeting that brought together 29 Asian and African states, seeking to establish a collective voice against colonialism and promote solidarity among developing nations. Although efforts like the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership emerged post-conference, achieving impactful results has proven difficult over the decades. Still, the foundational principles of Bandung provide a framework for addressing today's geopolitical tensions and pressing global challenges, particularly in areas like climate change and water security, as noted by analysts from various institutions, according to Dawn.

Experts argue that collaboration among countries sharing transboundary rivers in South Asia can translate the Bandung concept of solidarity into practical, equitable water resource management. The emphasis on collective action can help address issues of water scarcity, pollution, and climate-induced disasters prevalent in the region. Indeed, the spirit of Bandung urged nations to prioritize diplomacy and shared governance in matters affecting cross-border water security, thus enhancing long-term stability and cooperation between nations, as highlighted in discussions during the anniversary event, according to Dawn.

Furthermore, the need for regional frameworks that facilitate equitable distribution and cooperative governance over water resources is seen as a direct application of the Bandung principles. By leveraging their shared experiences and expertise, South Asian nations can work towards achieving sustainable water management solutions that align with the tenets of cooperation and mutual respect as envisioned during the Bandung Conference, according to The Jakarta Post.

In light of these discussions, experts emphasize that the Bandung Declaration's principles serve as a crucial guide for Global South countries. As they navigate the complexities of modern geopolitical dynamics and strive for more equitable engagement in the international order, revitalizing the spirit of Bandung is seen as essential for achieving strategic autonomy and amplifying the voices of developing nations within global governance structures, according to The Jakarta Post.