First, I would like to tell you a bit about the history behind Asian African Conference in 1955
Asian-African Conference 1955
The first Asian-African Conference in 1955 marked an important milestone in the history of cooperation amongst Asian and African countries. Delegates from 29 participating countries gathered in Bandung, Indonesia to discuss peace, security, and economic development in the midst of emerging problems in many parts of the world.
These problems were mostly caused by conflict between Eastern and Western blocs, which had differing interests and contradicting ideologies. Each tried to garner support from Asian and African nations in what came to be known as “the Cold War.” The global situation, especially in Asia and Africa, was also affected by colonialism in its various forms and the ensuing conflicts amongst a number of independent Asian and African countries resulting from the divide and conquer strategies employed by the colonial powers. At the time, the United Nations was unable to tackle these problems.
This escalating conflict prompted the governments of Burma (Myanmar), India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to organize the Asian African Conference (AAC). They invited governments from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to craft a new ethos of international relations called "The Spirit of Bandung". The Leaders preset at the AAC also declared "The Ten Principles of Bandung,” which reflected the commitment of nations to practice tolerance and to live in peace with one another as good neighbors.
This year 2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the Asian African Conference Commemoration. The first five days of the conference was carried out in Jakarta while the commemoration day was held in Bandung on Friday 24 April 2015.
On the commemoration day, the delegates had a historical walk that encompasses the Merdeka Building, did Friday prayer at Bandung Grand Mosque and were invited to lunch at Pakuan Building, the home of West Java Governor, Mr. Aher Heryawan.
In this one-week conference, delegates attended a series of events including the Smart City Summit, Asia-Africa Business Summit and Asia-Africa Carnival.
To add the festive of the celebration, the city administration prepared side events to attract tourists. There was Culture Trip to Bandung Regency and West Bandung Regency to showcase cultural activities in West Java.
On 23 April, Angklung Harmony for the World concert was conducted to create Guinness World of Record by having 20,000 angklung, a traditional musical instrument from West Java, performed live. A tribute for Soekarno and Nelson Mandela was on the Solidarity Day. Visitors were able to enjoy Festival of Nations, Photo Exhibition of AAC, and Asian-African Parade.
In the preparation for the event, the Bandung city administration was also emphasizing in city infrastructure improvement. Access roads around the Merdeka Building including Braga, Naripan, Asian-African and East Cikapundung were developed. The overhead bridge on Asian-African Road was renovated to improve the aesthetic of the city.
Through the conference, the countries are looking forward to create stronger collaboration as well as improving welfare and peace, which was also the dream of the initiators in 1955 when they established the conference.
Three major outcomes were resulted from the meetings that consist of state leaders, senior officials and ministers: Bandung Message, strategic partnerships and a declaration related to the Palestine.
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