By Boy Fidel Leon
Uganda’s Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has officially assumed the presidency of the Asian–African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) as the 63rd Annual Session opened at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The high-level meeting has drawn delegates from across Asia and Africa to deliberate on pressing global legal challenges.
In his opening remarks, Kiwanuka highlighted the importance of unity in shaping international law and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
“This week, States from Asia and Africa will come together to share experiences and develop common positions on key global issues,” he said. “Our goal is to build consensus on areas where we have shared interests and common principles, so we can present a unified voice to the world.”
Founded in 1956, the Asian–African Legal Consultative Organisation is headquartered in New Delhi, India, with permanent observer missions to the United Nations in New York and Vienna.
It is the only permanent intergovernmental forum for Asia and Africa to deliberate on matters of international law.
The 63rd Annual Session in Kampala was expected to produce consensus positions on global legal challenges while reinforcing Asia–Africa cooperation in building a just, inclusive international order.
The Attorney General listed priority issues on the agenda, including the Law of the Sea, international law, human rights, aggression, transboundary conflicts, and refugee crises.
“Once we develop this consensus, we will channel it through the United Nations and other global platforms to ensure that our voices and principles are recognised and respected internationally,” he added.
Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO, reflected on the organisation’s history and praised Uganda’s central role.
“Kampala holds a special place in our history, as the city where the Kampala Declaration on Human Rights was adopted in 1993,” he noted. “Today, more than three decades later, AALCO returns to Kampala at another critical crossroads of international law and cooperation.”
He further highlighted AALCO’s growth from seven founding members in 1956 to 49 states today, calling it the only permanent intergovernmental forum uniting Asia and Africa on international law.
“Our diversity is our strength; the enduring legacy of AALCO rests upon solidarity and trust,” he said, urging delegates to reaffirm the organisation’s role as the collective voice of Asia and Africa.
Outgoing President H.E. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang of Thailand, in a speech read by Thai diplomat Songchai Chaipatiyut, applauded Uganda’s leadership at a critical moment.
“From addressing colonial legacies to guiding today’s digital, trade, and climate challenges, AALCO has proven itself an indispensable platform for dialogue and cooperation,” Tang stated.
She expressed confidence that Uganda would steer the organisation toward deeper cooperation and practical outcomes.
“Our handover to Uganda is made with confidence that Kampala will carry forward continuity, deeper cooperation, and practical outcomes for member states.”
Speaking on behalf of South Africa, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Nkhensani Mmamoloko Kubayi, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to the organisation.
“For South Africa, AALCO remains an indispensable platform, a forum that reflects the evolving priorities of our member states while reaffirming the organisation’s relevance in addressing both long-standing and emerging issues in international law,” she said.
She reminded delegates that South Africa previously hosted AALCO in 2007, noting:
“We remain firmly committed to supporting AALCO in employing the collective voice of Asia and Africa to shape the progressive development of international law, strengthen multilateralism, and enhance global cooperation.”