Just less than six years until the expiration of Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development, wars and conflicts are raging, climate change is taking its toll, and we are faced with so much uncertainty, but hope remains. A month ago, the Pact for the Future was adopted at the General Assembly, setting a vision for multilateralism so that the world can deliver on its promises. Some are skeptical about another new framework that replaces Agenda 2030 which has failed to achieve all its targets. Others are more hopeful that the Pact, as ambitious as it is, highlights the need to address persistent current issues that keep us in the quandary and emerging ones. However, let us bear in mind that pacts and these aspirational documents are crafted by people and the failure to realize the targets rests on people, despite external factors. So, seeing any traction will depend on our commitment, will and behavioral change, including mindsets. We all have common wants for our countries, including sustainable development, equal access to housing, food, education, health, gender equality, and respect for human rights, topics enshrined in the UN Charter, adopted in 1945 and subsequent documents, including Agenda 2030, and the Pact for the Future. The Charter remains highly relevant today and this is not questionable. What must change are the institutions that were established to bring about change - the Security Council, and the multilateral financial institutions, which are no longer fit for purpose. Resistance to change means some benefit at the detriment of too many others. Institutions must also be recalibrated in-country to ensure that they bring about positive change in the lives of their people. This includes the UN, and efforts have been made, such as through the role of a reinvigorated Resident Coordinator System with the UN Country Team delivering on commitments under a unified framework. In Namibia, one chapter ends, the implementation of the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF), 2019-2024, and a new one begins, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), 2025-2029. What have we learned along the journey? First, not all the targets were achieved, so we have unfinished business that we are carrying into this next phase. Most targets reached were around social transformation - health, education, gender-based violence and social protection… Fewer targets were met for the environment, governance and economic transformation outcomes (see 2023/24 UN Annual Results report) with the UN leveraging on country and non-resident technical expertise, provision of funding and building capacities. This work was done in collaboration with government, civil society partners and development partners.Our concerns persist regarding gender-based violence, rising teenage pregnancies, increasing unemployment, droughts and floods and it is for this reason that these issues remain as priorities in the UNSDCF. The question that we have asked ourselves in our engagements with several partners is where and how can we contribute to shifting the needle? The UN brings modest funding envelopes in the country since we are not a financing institution but primarily work on development issues through the provision of technical expertise, evidence of good practices, knowledge and tools, and catalytical funds to pilot programmes. Given the agency’s comparative advantage, no one agency cannot offer a full package, so imagine what kind of impact could be achieved if we brought all the comparative advantages of the UN into one region to pilot area based or joint programming. However, for this approach to work, it requires not just the UN to work in a coordinated manner but also other partners, including the private sector, government structures at regional and district level, civil society organizations and development partners. Greater results are derived when we cooperate rather than when we compete. In the 2025-2029 UNSDCF, four results areas have been identified, namely effective governance and public service delivery; economic recovery, transformation and resilience; sustainable development and green growth opportunities; and human development and community resilience, which are like those in the former UNPAF. They align with the priorities articulated in the White Paper of the National Development Plan (NDP) 6 that is currently being finalized. The issues identified in 2019 remain pervasive and accelerated implementation is an imperative if we are going to reach the 2030 Agenda targets. How we deliver in this new UNSDCF must change or in 2029, we will not have made significant progress, and this is captured in three key points.  Tackling inequality in an integrated manner and placing people at the centre of the work we do with an emphasis on young people is the overarching goal. This requires concrete actions to move beyond rhetoric and meaningfully engage young people in the implementation of the four pillars. Even though we have been doing this, we recognize that more is still required. Addressing unemployment is one pathway and the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection focusing on the agriculture and biomass sector is one such example. Innovative financing and partnerships will be critical to deliver impactful and sustainable outcomes. Exploring how the UN can leverage on pooled/domestic funding In Namibia will be pursued, drawing on examples of other countries, where the UN as a trusted partner and bringing its diverse global experience and technical expertise has managed to address national priorities with Government channeling funds to the UN. Private sector engagement on broader development issues needs to be explored further beyond the exchange of information in a limited and ad-hoc manner. Redefining how to collaborate with civil society organizations given the broad outreach with beneficiaries in the context of shrinking funding envelopes is crucial.Greater coherence and coordination of programmes through joint programmes/programming will facilitate greater synergy and efficiency, thus reducing fragmentation and duplication, particularly considering limited funding. This new UNSDCF provides an opportunity to pilot more area-based programmes in specific regions and joint programming, where two or more UN agencies work in an integrated manner to have a greater impact. The future is bright, the Pact of the Future provides entry points to address key national priorities, which are encompassed in the UNSDCF. The development of the NDP6 is timely and, the fact that Namibia will have a new leader at its helm in 2025 are opportunities for recalibration, all in the interests for a better Namibia. The UN remains committed to supporting the country’s priorities through the implementation of the UNSDCF and this is our humble contribution. 

 Jointly hosted by the UN Namibia and the British High Commission, the conference will bring together 90 high school learners to simulate a UN General Assembly session focused on "Advancing gender equality and women's empowerment: building sustainable societies globally."The two-day conference will provide high school delegates with the opportunity to debate, negotiate, and develop resolutions addressing gender inequality and promoting women's empowerment. Representing UN member states, learners will engage in thoughtful diplomatic discussions using UN frameworks, protocols, conventions, and national policies.At the end of the conference, participants will receive certificates and awards for Best Delegate, Best Speaker, Best Delegation, and Best School.The United Nations System in Namibia, the British High Commission, and the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture proudly support the Model United Nations programme in Namibia. Recognizing its immense contribution beyond the school curriculum, the programme hones practical life skills and exposure across various subjects. Since its inception in 2012, Model UN in Namibia has become a powerful tool for youth engagement, empowering Namibian learners to explore complex global issues and develop a deep understanding of international cooperation."Since my arrival in Namibia in 2021, it has been a pleasure for the British High Commission to sponsor the Model UN. Each year, I have been hugely impressed and humbled by the maturity and professionalism of the learners who take part, and it is always gratifying to see how much their skills improve in just two days, in diplomatic knowledge, public speaking and listening to others. It's what the United Nations really is all about,’’ said Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia. "Model United Nations is more than just a simulation; it's a catalyst for young people to engage with the world's most pressing challenges," said Hopolang Phororo, UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia. "By immersing themselves in diplomacy, human rights, and sustainable development, young people see first-hand the opportunities available to advocate for a better future."In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 17 on partnerships, the Model UN programme harnesses the expertise and resources of UN Namibia and the British High Commission to create a meaningful youth engagement platform that has positively influenced thousands of Namibian youth for over a decade."It's rewarding to know that we can provide Namibian youth with the same opportunities that many young people enjoy globally," Phororo continued. “We are grateful for this tripartite partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the British High Commission and we are glad to see the interest of schools growing. In 2012, we had 60 students participate and this year, 95, facilitating an opportunity for Namibian youth to acquire new skills and broaden their perspectives beyond their homes, schools, and communities."Delegates will represent 50 UN member states, paired into delegations from various schools. Sixteen ( 16) schools and youth organisations will participate in the conference. With the guidance and support of school principals and teachers, youth delegates will embody the role of diplomats, accurately representing their countries' positions on the discussed topics. In preparation, learners will conduct thorough research on their assigned countries and their stances, aiming to conclude the two-day conference with the adoption of a resolution.On 28 September 2024, a training session was held to prepare delegates for the upcoming conference. The training covered essential topics such as research, writing opening speeches and position papers, drafting UN resolutions, debating resolutions, making amendments, and conducting themselves during formal proceedings. This training was the first step in providing ongoing support and guidance to learners in the run-up to the November conference.  "I wish all delegates the best of luck in their preparations and research," concluded Charles Moore. "We look forward to meeting the next generation of diplomats at this year's MUNNAM." 

Windhoek, Namibia - 11 October 2024: In close coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of Namibia, the United Nations has mobilized US$ 3 million through the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to support the country’s response to the ongoing drought crisis, which is being exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon. This initiative aims to deliver immediate assistance to vulnerable communities complementing other interventions to build long-term resilience. This funding decision by the United Nations CERF follows the visit of the Office of the ASG/Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niňo / La Niňa Response, Ms. Reena Ghelani, and the OCHA Regional Office in July 2024. The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hopolang Phororo, and the ASG/Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niňo / La Niňa Response, Ms. Ghelani, advocated for UN support at regional and global level, as well as from development partners.
Namibia is currently facing one of its most severe droughts, influenced by the El Niño climate pattern, which has significantly impacted agriculture and food security across the nation. This crisis threatens the livelihoods of communities, particularly in the Omaheke, Kavango East, and Kavango West regions, which are classified as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 4, indicating an emergency in terms of food insecurity.
The United Nations, with the Government of Namibia, has mobilized US$3 million in response to this urgent need, leveraging the CERF. This funding, coordinated through the UN and OPM partnership, aims to complement the government’s Drought Response Plan to scale up lifesaving interventions to reach extremely vulnerable households in the most severely drought-affected locations in Kavango West, Kavango East, and Omaheke Regions.
The UN intervention will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for six months. The total number of people directly targeted is approximately 163,000 across the following sectors: food assistance; nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and protection from gender-based violence.
The UN will oversee the implementation in collaboration with OPM, national, and local partners to ensure the effective distribution of food and services to those in most need. These efforts not only address the immediate crisis but also lays the foundation for long-term resilience, focusing on strengthening local supply chains, enhancing nutritional knowledge, and building community feedback mechanisms.
The integrated approach is designed to ensure accountability and transparency, with monitoring mechanisms established to protect the rights of affected communities and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Windhoek, Namibia – A group of 50 enthusiastic Grade 10 students from Deutsche Höhere Privatschüle Windhoek (DHPS) recently had a unique opportunity to learn about the United Nations (UN) directly from UN representatives who visited their school.UN representatives guided the students through the organization's history and its crucial role in promoting global peace, security, and human rights. The students were particularly interested in learning about the UN's work in Namibia and the specific role of the United Nations Information Centre.
  A dialogue was ignited by Ms. Errolice Tjipura's presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Development Coordination Officer, she explained how these 17 goals address the pressing challenges facing our planet. The students were inspired by the innovative solutions being implemented by the UN and its member states.A thought-provoking discussion arose around the concept of 'silver houses' and their associated challenges. Students questioned why individuals living in these structures were not offered better housing options. They also expressed concerns regarding inadequate sanitation and health conditions. One of the solutions highlighted by Ms. Tjipura is UN Habitat's ongoing efforts to provide education and support, addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development.The students gained an understanding of the interconnectedness of the SDGs and the importance of collective action in achieving them. They also offered their own solutions, such as promoting decent jobs and well-being and recognizing the role of governments and individuals in realizing the SDGs.

  In addition to the SDGs, the students were introduced to the Pact of the Future, a global agreement aimed at creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Errolice discussed the key principles of the Pact and emphasized the crucial role of youth in its implementation. The students were encouraged to consider their own contributions to this important initiative.To further engage the students, the UN Namibia team left the students with the children's storybook 'Frieda and the SDGs' and the Swift 30 SDG Edition game. These resources are designed to spark curiosity and inspire the students to explore the SDGs in a fun and interactive way.The UN's decision to engage with DHPS students is consistent with its commitment to promoting education and awareness about global and national issues. By reaching out to young people, including students, the UN can inspire future generations to become active global citizens and contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, 2025-2029 in Namibia recognizes the important role that young people play in sustainable development, so outreach programmes with schools, such as this one with DPHS are crucial. By listening to the voices of young people, the UN in Namibia can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and concerns, thus tailoring programmes and initiatives to address them more effectively. Now that the Pact for the Future was adopted by world leaders, a few days ago at the Summit of the Future, a vision has been laid out and the work begins at country level to realize it, together with young people and future generations.  In conclusion, the outreach programme to connect the students with the United Nations and its Sustainable Development Goals. The visit not only increased students' awareness of global challenges but also inspired them to take proactive steps in their own communities. As a result, the students left the event with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world, optimism and the potential of collective action