In 1955 the Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, was held in Indonesia. This marked the first time Asian and African countries joined hands to seek a better future. The legacy of the conference, dubbed as the "Bandung Spirit", has played an important role in shaping the political map of Asian and African countries ever since.

Sixty years ago, 29 countries across Asia and Africa gathered in Bandung, Indonesia, to find ways to develop the "newly-born Asia and Africa".

Having long suffered from war, colonial rule and racism... many of these newly-independent nations strived for development.

Eager for peace and economic development… they decided to move forward together and forge a presence on the world stage.

The Bandung Conference in 1955 was the first large-scale Asian-African gathering. Member countries discussed issues they were all grappling with: sovereignty, racism, and the struggle against colonialism. They also spoke of ways to achieve peace and better economic and cultural cooperation.

Over the past six decades, the "Bandung Spirit" has always stuck to the unity of the Asian and African countries, opposing imperialism and colonialism, the struggle for the defense of national independence, as well as world peace and the promotion of friendship among peoples.

A 10-point "declaration on the promotion of world peace and cooperation," was unanimously adopted at the conference. It included the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence", which was proposed by the then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.

The declaration set new guiding principles for international relations... and was an important step toward the Non-Aligned Movement. It inspired people in Asia, Africa and Latin-America to fight for independence and freedom.

The Bandung Spirit, which has endured over the decades, is the key to understanding the Asian and African countries emerging in the world today.

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