The High Representative will participate in the Nineteenth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, from January 17 to 21, and the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China, on the twenty-first, to recognize the urgent need to serve countries in the field of development.
Conference spokeswoman Monica Grayley said both events will also represent an opportunity to address pressing global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, global peace and security and human rights.
The spokesman added that this visit is part of a broader effort to emphasize the multilateral organization's commitment to promoting comprehensive dialogue between its members from the North and South to confront global challenges, and thus ensure a more prosperous and harmonious world.
As part of his itinerary, Francis plans to meet with Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan president and host and incoming president of both groups.
In addition, he will hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister Jeji Odongo, the UN team in the country and its Resident Coordinator Susan Namundo.
The Non-Aligned Movement meeting began on Monday with preparatory conferences for the Meeting of Heads of State and Government and a call for unity and greater cooperation among the countries that comprise it.
Ministerial meetings are scheduled to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, while the Summit of Heads of State and Government begins on Friday and concludes on Saturday.
The Non-Aligned Movement consists of 120 countries: 53 from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean and two from Europe. While 17 countries have observer status.
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