KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda is proudly hosting the 63rd Annual Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), welcoming delegates from across two continents to the shores of Lake Victoria. The event, held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo, marks a significant return, as Uganda last hosted the prestigious gathering over thirty years ago in 1993.
In a powerful opening address delivered on behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government, and the people of Uganda, the speaker expressed the nation’s profound honor in welcoming the delegates, esteemed observers, and partners to the “Pearl of Africa.”
The session was framed not merely as a diplomatic meeting but as a gathering of “custodians of a shared vision.” This vision, deeply rooted in the principles of solidarity, equality, and the transformative power of international law, sets the agenda for the week’s discussions.
Uganda used the occasion to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to AALCO’s objectives as a dedicated member state, highlighting the privilege of facilitating this key forum for international legal cooperation.
The Annual Session serves as AALCO’s highest decision-making body, where member states shape ideas, forge consensus, and chart the organization’s collective efforts for the coming year. Officials emphasized that the meeting is a demonstration of a strong commitment to strengthening the bonds between Asia and Africa through dialogue, cooperation, and a shared adherence to the rule of law.
The address also reflected on AALCO’s rich history, which began nearly seven decades ago following the historic Bandung Conference of 1955. This led to the formation of the Asian Legal Consultative Committee in 1956 by seven founding nations: Burma (now Myanmar), Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, and Syria.
From its humble beginnings, AALCO has seen remarkable growth, now boasting 49 member states that represent nearly all major nations from Asia and Africa. This expansion was further solidified in 1981 when the organization, originally established for a five-year term and later known as the Asian-African Legal Consultative Committee, was placed on a permanent footing. This pivotal decision was a direct recognition of the substantial contributions AALCO has made to the development of international law from a unique Afro-Asian perspective.
The 63rd Session in Uganda stands as a testament to the enduring relevance and trust AALCO commands as a premier platform for legal dialogue and cooperation between the two continents.
