What Was the First International Assembly of Asian and African Nations?
The Asian-African Conference in 1955 was an assembly of Asian and African nations whose aim was to promote world peace, cooperation, and freedom from colonialism and imperialism.
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
The Asian-African Conference
The Asian-African Conference was the first international assembly of Asian-African nations (29 countries), held in Bandung, Indonesia, from April 18 to 24, 1955, whose aim was to promote world peace and cooperation, and freedom from colonialism and imperialism.
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
Asian-African Conference Organizers
The Asian-African Conference was initiated by Indonesia, Burma (now Myanmar), Pakistan, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and India. The Conference was attended by 29 Asian and African countries.
The view of Husein Sastranegara Airport (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
Participant Asian and African Countries
The view of Husein Sastranegara Airport, decorated with the flags of participant countries of the Asian-African Conference.
The Gala Dinner (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
The Gala Dinner for the Asian-African Conference at the Savoy Homann Hotel, Bandung.
“President Sukarno Opening Speech at the Bandung Conference"
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
Participants Included Globally Famous Politicians
India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru with Indira Gandhi.
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
What Did the Asian-African Conference Achieve?
The Asian-African Conference set the path towards establishing the Non-Aligned Movement, which served as a balance between two conflicting superpowers during the Cold War.
The Observer Delegation (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
Observer Delegation From Palestine
Palestinian Arab nationalist and Muslim leader Mufthi Amien El Husaini had a discussion with the Prime Minister of the People Republic of China, Chou En Lai.
Chairman of the Delegation of the People Republic of China (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
Observer Delegation From the People Republic of China
Chairman of the Observer Delegation from the People Republic of China. Chou En Lai and delegation group walked to Merdeka Building.
The delegations of participant countries (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
Observer Delegation From Egypt
The Chairman of the Delegation of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Chairman of the Delegation of Saudi Arabia, Emir Faisal Ibn Abdul Azis al-saud, and the Chairman of the Delegation of Yemen, Emir Seif El Islam Al Hassan.
Plenary Meeting of the Economic Section (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
Meeting of Important Dignitaries From Across Asia
The meeting included the Chairman of the Delegation of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali, the Chairman of the Delegation of Lebanon, Sami Bek Solh, the Chairman of the Delegation of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, and the Prime Minister of Burma, U Nu.
“Asian / African Conference in Bandung (1955)”
Merdeka Building (20th century) by Asian-African Conference (AAC)UNESCO Memory of the World
Asian-African Conference Speech
Prime Minister Ali Sastroamidjojo delivered his speech and accompanied by the Chairman of the Committee, Roeslan Abdulgani.
"Asian-African Conference Archives"
This film was made in the context of submitting the KAA Archive nomination as MOW in 2014.
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
Promotion of Economic, Cultural, and Political Cooperation
It’s Final Communique, “The Ten Principles of Bandung,” recognized the urgency of promoting economic, cultural, and political cooperation among and beyond Asian-African nations, and of achieving freedom.
