Developing countries have right, responsibility to shape global security: PM’s defence adviser

Developing countries are not merely followers of global security decisions but have both the right and responsibility to help shape the international security architecture, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam has said.

His remarks came at the fourth plenary session of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China, on the theme “The Role and Vision of Developing Countries,” according to a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) yesterday (17 September).

The forum was held from 15 to 17 September, with Bangladesh represented by the adviser.

Highlighting the changing global security environment, he said armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalry, technological changes, economic uncertainties, and climate-related pressures are creating new challenges for developing countries.

He stressed the need for dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes, strengthening national resilience and increasing South-South cooperation to ensure a greater role for developing countries in global security affairs.

Bangladesh also proposed three priorities for the future international security system: strengthening preventive diplomacy, early warning, and regional crisis management; enhancing collective resilience through cyber cooperation, responsible use of emerging technologies, climate adaptation, and disaster preparedness; and strengthening institutions, livelihoods, education, infrastructure, and local trust in conflict-prone and vulnerable areas.

Defence ministers, heads of armed forces, and prominent security representatives from various countries participated in the international forum on global security and defence.