United Nations in Namibia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Namibia.

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27 November 2022

FAO supporting Namibia to develop new Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme

The first ever Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme (CCAP 2015-2020) registered commendable progress towards improving food production and incomes for farmers in Namibia. The Framework aimed to increase the application of CA principles and practices among the crop-growing farmers of Namibia. Godfried Meeja, from Otjozondjupa region says that adopting CA was the best decision he ever made as a farmer as he increased yields and now earns a decent income, while Paulina Aluuma added her voice to the awareness encouraging other farmers to adopt CA as it is an effective means to counter negative climate change effects such as low and variable pattern rainfall experienced in their Oshana region. “CA has been promoted as an entry point to Climate Smart Agriculture and has the potential to contribute towards mitigation of some of the climate change and food systems challenges in Namibia,” Mildred Kambinda, Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) noted in the meeting to evaluate the ended CA framework. Formulating second generation of CA Framework The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through a 10 countries regional project “Strengthening Coordination, Scaling Up and Governance of Conservation Agriculture in Southern Africa (SUCASA)” is supporting development of the second generation of CCAP in Namibia. The five-year Programme will inspire Namibia’s farmers towards adopting CA in order to ensure resilience, food security and nutrition as well as environmental protection. The development of the first generation of the CA framework was also supported by FAO in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR). “As the global climate crisis intensifies, more and more countries are beginning to adopt climate-smart, sustainable agriculture to ensure food security to feed millions of vulnerable people", Ferdinard Mwapopi, Assistant FAO Representative (Progammes) in Namibia said during a consultative meeting. "Namibia still remains a net importer of food items and is thus highly exposed to environmental and economic factors affecting it as well as those prevailing in food exporting countries, and this increases its vulnerability to the shocks", added Mwapopi. Transitioning to climate-smart agriculture practices Consultations among key stakeholders are underway from development partners, academia and farmers to guide the design of the new intervention, and also ensure ownership and its successful implementation. The new CA framework is being designed with the technical support from FAO and will seek to transition Namibian farmers from rain-fed traditional farming practice toward climate-smart agriculture. Conservation Agriculture adoption and scaling up is highlighted in the 5th National Development Plan for Namibia 2017-2022 and the MAWLR Strategic Plan 2017-2022. The country has a target to have more farmers adopt at least one of the CA practices; minimum tillage, crop rotation and organic soil cover, by 2025 to ensure food and nutrition security. The urgent need to scale up CA Agriculture in Namibia is primarily rain-fed with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. “Despite agriculture being the main source of food for the smallholder farmers, most conventional farming practices have negative impacts on the ecosystems and contribute to environmental degradation, for example loss of soil quality,” Mwapopi noted. With the country’s vulnerabilities such as prolonged dry spell and floods which at times take place simultaneously, Conservation Agriculture adoption would provide sustainable food production. The FAO support is aimed at enhancing institutional and individual capacities of researchers, extension officers and farmers to enable the adoption of new agricultural good practices for improved crop production. The capacities of the MAWLR are being developed to promote CA principles to help farmers increase production and productivity, thus reducing risks and building resilience to climate change.

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27 November 2022

Youthconnekt Namibia Launched

OTJIWARONGO, Namibia — The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the YouthConnekt Namibia initiative on 21 September 2022. YouthConnekt Africa is a Pan-African program established by the African Union to co-design and expedite suitable solutions for youth socio-economic development, as well as to support intergovernmental knowledge exchange on policy, initiatives, and collaborations. Operationalised in 2020, the YouthConnekt Africa hub aims to contribute to the achievement of Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mandate, the AU 2063 agenda and the AU Youth Charter. Through national YouthConnekt initiatives, the hub accomplishes its mandate by coordinating a global network to create a continental ecosystem for African youth; sharing experience and knowledge on programme and policy design, youth initiatives and providing a conduit for resources at scale and data on youth empowerment initiatives. The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Hon. Emma Kantema-Gaomas said YouthConnekt Namibia aims to involve Namibian youth in the YouthConnekt Africa Hub, where they will be expected to share ideas, submit business initiatives and acquire technical development skills. “Our mandate as a ministry is focused towards the promotion of youth empowerment initiatives as expounded in our third national youth policy. It is, therefore, our duty to ensure that we join hands with development partners and other progressive organisations in the development of youth,” said Hon. Kantema-Gaomas during the launch. She added that there is an urgent need for youth participation at the top end of the country’s economy, hence, the government has put together a variety of policy interventions designed to bring youth into the mainstream of the economy in order to improve inclusion and cohesion. “Africa's most valuable resource is its youth, and Namibia is no exception, with youth constituting the majority of the population,” she stated. Loide Amkongo, UNFPA Namibia Assistant Representative and Officer in Charge urged youth to read more to keep abreast with developments and opportunities. “Read, Reach and participate,” she advised the youth during a panel discussion on how Namibian youth can prepare themselves to fully benefit from the YouthConnekt. “Finally Namibia has officially become part of YouthConnect Africa. We have started to connect with youth from all over Namibia and I cannot wait to connect with youth from the rest of the continent. I want to thank our government for this wonderful initiative, bringing youth together for problem-solving, promoting youth engagement, and empowering the youth,” said Valmary Jantjie, a youth from! Kharas region. Riaan Siyama, a youth from the Zambezi region also looked forward to connecting with fellow youth and hearing their thoughts and ideas, especially on how to end gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. Siyama is a co-founder of Building Every Opportunity for Change, a civil society organisation that works with men to prevent GBV in Zambezi region. “Without concerted efforts to address GBV and other forms of gender injustices, the lives of women and girls in the country remain at risk." "I’m very thankful that we have been accorded the opportunity to be part of the YouthConnekt Namibia launch where we can showcase our work as well as collaborate with other youth around the country and make it effective for us to combat these social illnesses in our country,” he added. The fifth YouthConnekt Africa Summit took place in Kigali, Rwanda in October this year, where hundreds of young people from the member states of YouthConnekt Africa gathered to share experiences, knowledge, and skills. Some of the members of YouthConnekt Namibia attended the summit in Kigali.

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14 November 2022

Adolescents and youth with disabilities, and adolescents living with and affected by HIV empowered on HIV and Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights

UNAIDS Namibia in collaboration with the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NFPDN) with the support of UNICEF and UNFPA recently facilitated a two-day workshop on HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Windhoek, as part of the 2gether4SRHR initiative. The workshop provided a safe platform for adolescents to interact and share key issues, successes and challenges that they face, for enhanced programming to address gaps in the HIV response, and to strengthen linkages between adolescents with disabilities and other adolescents, including those living with and affected by HIV to strengthen inclusion and partnerships. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted access to life-saving sexual and reproductive and other health services for adolescents, especially those with disabilities and those living and affected by with HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted access to life-saving sexual and reproductive and other health services for adolescents, especially those with disabilities and those living and affected by with HIV. In her opening remarks, Dr Alti Zwandor, UNAIDS Namibia Country Director, encouraged participants to actively contribute during the workshop and continue engaging in programmes for and with youth and adolescents to end inequalities. “I hope that your views, suggestions, and recommendations from this workshop will inform the outcome document that will be developed to provide guidance on gender-transformative and human rights-based interventions for adolescents with disabilities in Namibia." " I therefore urge you to be as free, open, and frank as possible,” said Dr Zwandor. Among other challenges, the lack of sign language interpreters and skills is a big concern in Namibia as interpreters are usually fully booked when needed by the hearing-impaired community. This was also highlighted by the Namibia Planned Parenthooh Association (NAPPA), a youth friendly service provider for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and support. This continues to limit access to health and other social and essential services, leaving people with disabilities behind. “We often get discouraged to seek services from health facilities as there are no sign language interpreters to communicate our needs to healthcare workers and information hardly reaches us," said Martha, an adolescent with hearing impairment. Participants emphasized the need for the inclusion of adolescents with disabilities in the HIV and COVID-19 responses to ensure that people with disabilities access quality and equitable health services. UNAIDS has long advocated for a three-track approach to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities in the HIV response, being: Disability-specific activities and mainstreaming disability across all aspects of HIV responses. Participation and active involvement of people with disabilities in all programme elements. Disability-inclusive policies, programmes and implementation strategies that ensure appropriate funding and resources. UNAIDS Namibia calls for all partners to use the social model, which acknowledges that the current inequalities are not due to peoples’ disability or vulnerability, but the inability of society to eliminate barriers challenging persons with disabilities. This will ensure inclusive development and programming for adolescents and youth so that they benefit from available services, and that the social and structural barriers that prevent young people from accessing HIV services are removed. Speaking on behalf of the NFPDN, Mr. Orben Muluti calls for communities to start practicing equity and not equality. “Equity will help us move to a better world, where all societal systems recognize the issues of people with disabilities and work collectively with them to mainstream disability in all aspects of life.” said Muluti. In closing, the NNAD Director, Mr Paul Nanyeni highlighted the limited communication modalities for people with disabilities and emphasised the need to strengthen joint advocacy for the inclusion of sign language as an official language in Namibia. The workshop was facilitated by various partners including AfriYAN Namibia, Regain Trust, NAPPA, Youth Empowerment Group (YEG), UNFPA, UNICEF and UNAIDS. The outcome document will be shared with all stakeholders for accelerated action for HIV and SRHR programming for adolescents with disabilities.

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03 December 2022

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Marks 29 Years of Disability Advocacy

It was first launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3. The event is in its 29th year of celebration, marking nearly three decades of meaningful change for the community of Persons with Disabilities. Such days allow us to pose and shine a light on different situations of Persons with different disabilities worldwide and what our contributions as society are towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of life. This day is aimed at celebrating the successes of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights and well-being in all spheres of society and development. Although we live in a world where the contributions of persons with disabilities are not seen, it is very important to remember that a disability is less than the abilities of someone with a disability. This year’s theme is “Transformative solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World” Focusing on three areas namely- Employment, Sports and Innovation by and for persons with disabilities. Today and every day the UN is working together with people with different disabilities to create a world that is accessible, equal and inclusive for our fellow Brothers and Sisters who are differently abled, but the UN cannot do this alone since disability is a cross-cutting issue. How can you assist the UN in creating an accessible, equal and inclusive world for persons with disabilities around you? As we commemorate the 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we do enjoy the following poem entitled "No One" by Ms Pelgrina Ndumba, a UN Namibia Country Staff Member with a Visual Impairment. No one Seeking the acceptance of our communities should not be in vein, because no one will live our lives on our behalf. A life of societal discrimination and ignorance should be a story of the past, because no one can live our lives on our behalf. A helping hand to cross the street or to count money should not discourage us from achieving our goals, because no one should live our lives on our behalf We are valuable agents of change; we are well able and should make a mark on the world because no one will live our lives on our behalf. We are more than our faces; we are more than what you see. Our potential SHOULD be fully realized because no one will live our lives on our behalf. Nothing about us will be done without us, because no one will live our lives on our behalf Daily, we must face the inescapable challenges birthed from stigma and hate. We are who we are today, because no one will live our lives on our behalf. Morale In whatever you do always be yourself, because you are not who you are by mistake and don’t let anything or anybody put you down, because you are able.

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15 November 2022

Towards an Early Warning System for Harmful Algal Blooms in Namibia

IOC-UNESCO and Namibia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources organized major consultation to assess the specific needs and requirements for establishing an early warning system for harmful algal blooms in the Southern African country. About 300 hundred species of microalgae are reported at times to form mass occurrences, so-called algal blooms. Nearly one-fourth of these species are known to produce toxins harmful to nature and to human beings, and the scientific community refers to these algal events as ‘Harmful Algal Blooms’ (HAB). Proliferations of microalgae in marine or brackish waters can cause massive fish kills, contaminate seafood with toxins, and alter ecosystems in ways that humans perceive as harmful. The impact of harmful microalgae is particularly evident when marine food resources (e.g. fisheries and aquaculture) are affected. Even though not all species are visibly affected by harmful algal blooms – such as shellfish and finfish –, they accumulate the toxins in their organs and subsequently transmit them to humans through consumption, leading to serious health threats. “In the interest of food safety for the end consumer, an early warning system for HABs will serve as a food safety intervention tool to identify potential risks required to be managed; to maintain consumer and customer confidence; and to expand national, regional and international trade through the promotion of a safe seafood commodity.” - Heidi Skrypzeck, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Namibia Monitoring of harmful algal blooms is essential in providing forecasts and early warnings for a potential HAB event, enabling regional authorities, industry, or individuals to take actions to mitigate public health, environmental, or economic risks and impacts. The 5-6 October workshop gathered 32 participants from government ministries, the private sector, academic institutions, and official laboratories to define the early warning system requirements for Namibia, review current capacities and resources in place, and outline missing knowledge and data gaps. As a result of collaboration between the Government of Namibia, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) and UNESCO’s Windhoek Office, the workshop marked the starting point of the development of an early warning system for HABs in Namibia combining monitoring with a mitigation and adaptation strategy. “Through its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO strives to assist Member States in managing and mitigating the impacts of harmful algae, essential for a productive and sustainable seafood industry.” - Henrik Enevoldsen, Head of Ocean Science at IOC-UNESCO The workshop helped national stakeholders identify and share the main causes and effects of harmful algal blooms in Namibia, including mortalities, human food poisonings, ocean oxygen depletion, and the associated economic and ecological impacts – in particular on the export of shellfish products. Participants identified an urgent need to establish a rapid monitoring and regulatory framework to ensure the protection of human health and safe seafood trade from the regular occurrence of harmful algae in the country. “Engaging from the beginning with the different stakeholders is crucial to ensure that the early warning system being developed will eventually effectively meet their specific needs.” - Marie-Yasmine Dechraoui Bottein, invited expert from the University of Côte d’Azur

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24 October 2023

UN DAY MARKS 'JOURNEY THROUGH THE SDGS' IN NAMIBIA

Windhoek, Namibia - The United Nations Day celebration in Namibia marked a moment of reflection on the enduring partnership between Namibia and the United Nations, dating back to the early days of Namibia's quest for independence in the late 20th century. Held in the capital city of Windhoek, the event was graced by government officials, civil society organizations, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. It shed light on the substantial strides realized in collaboration with the United Nations since the onset of Namibia's journey towards independence, particularly emphasizing the pivotal role the UN played in supervising Namibia's transition to independence in 1990 following the adoption of Resolution 435 by the UN Security Council. United Nations Day, commemorated on October 24, marks the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter, symbolizing the organization's birth. This day not only celebrates the achievements of the United Nations but also emphasizes the enduring hope it symbolizes for a better world, particularly resonating with Namibia's historical journey with the UN. This year's celebration theme was 'Journey Through the SDGs,' showcased through an exhibition, where all UN agencies participated, reflecting the collaborative spirit towards sustainable development while honoring the long-standing relationship between Namibia and the UN. The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hopolang Phororo, reminisced on the Namibia-UN alliance since 1946 when Namibians sought UN aid for independence, marking strides towards global peace and human rights. She highlighted the daunting challenge of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with only 15% of targets on track. Despite progress in poverty reduction and gender equality, more effort is needed. She mentioned the upcoming Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025-2029) and the 2024 Summit of the Future, co-hosted by Namibia and Germany, as steps towards addressing global inequalities and advancing the SDGs. The Director of Multilateral Affairs in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Jerobeam Shaanika, spoke on the historical ties between Namibia and the UN, touching on crucial milestones like Resolution 435 and the UNTAG mission. He highlighted the pivotal role of the late Martti Ahtisaari, who recently passed away on October 16, 2023, in leading the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) mission that was instrumental in supervising the country's transition to independence following the adoption of Resolution 435 by the UN Security Council. The event honored the late Martti Ahtisaari with a moment of silence. Ambassador Shaanika spoke from the heart on the importance of empathy, urging individuals to put themselves in the shoes of those who are suffering. He stressed that every human has a dream and aspiration to live a better life and called for change to make these aspirations a reality. Reflecting on the broader impact of our actions, Shaanika also urged adults and elders to contemplate the world they are shaping for their children to inherit, reinforcing the call for collective action toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Partners are committed to reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the government, civil society, and UN agencies to address the nation's challenges. The event highlighted both the enduring partnership and the joint journey ahead, reiterating the vision of leaving no one behind as aligned with the principles of the United Nations.

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06 October 2023

Namibia and UN Forge New Partnership for Sustainable Development

Windhoek, Namibia - October 6, 2023 During a critical review meeting of the United Nations Partnership Framework 2019-2023 and Common Country Analysis, the United Nations and its partners engaged in a comprehensive reflection, assessing accomplishments, lessons learned, areas for growth, and strategies to incorporate into the new Cooperation Framework, 2025-2029. This introspective session, occurring at a pivotal juncture for Namibia, coincides with crucial national developments, notably the 2023 Population and Housing Census and the formulation of the National Development Plan 6 (NDP 6). The review meeting served as a forum for profound introspection, emphasizing the UN's commitment to remaining responsive and adaptive to Namibia's evolving needs. As the nation prepares for transformative endeavors encapsulated in the NDP 6 and other parallel initiatives, this collaborative effort between the Government of Namibia, partners, and the UN stands poised to catalyze positive change, fostering a future where sustainable development is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality. Ms. Hopolang Phororo, UN Resident Coordinator, set the stage with a resounding message of evolving from a traditional development assistance approach to a dynamic cooperation framework. "This pushes us towards strengthened joint planning and programming beyond sectoral approaches; this we cannot achieve alone," she emphasized, aligning the partnership with Namibia's National Development Plan 6. This renewed cooperation, informed by lessons learned and achievements across four key pillars, is poised to accelerate essential Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address critical national priorities. These four pillars encompass Economic Progression, Social Transformation, Environmental Sustainability, and Good Governance. Ms. Wilhencia Uiras, Executive Director of the National Planning Commission, underscored the lasting impact they aim for, saying, "I want my future generations to recognize the positive changes initiated in 2023.” Regarding Economic Progression, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) now play a pivotal role in the nation's economic landscape, accounting for 12% of Namibia's GDP and providing livelihoods for over 200,000 individuals. Moreover, the agriculture sector has witnessed significant advancements with 5,000 hectares of land now under irrigation. On Social Transformation, in the education sector, there's a commendable milestone with 72.7% of all learners across the nation now enrolled in the primary phase. Additionally, The national budget allocated to non-contributory social protection has increased to 11.5%, surpassing the target of 5%. The number of identified potential victims of trafficking has increased to 23 per year, surpassing the target of 18 per year. Health system capacity was strengthened, and it was able to provide quality health and nutrition services and effective detection and control of outbreaks. On Environmental Sustainability, tangible progress has been achieved in disaster management, exemplified by the significant reduction in internally displaced individuals from 3,900 to 2,000. Furthermore, all 14 regions of Namibia have taken proactive measures by developing disaster risk management/contingency plans, illustrating a comprehensive approach to potential emergencies and disasters. On Good Governance, emphasizing transparent and participative governance, there's a laudable achievement in policy engagement, with 7 policies reviewed in collaboration with civil society, exceeding the target of 5. This underscores the nation's commitment to fostering transparency and ensuring that policies resonate with all stakeholders. Both the UN and Namibia are committed to furthering their collaboration, building on the achievements and addressing challenges to ensure sustainable development. This commitment reflects their shared vision for a prosperous future and will be encapsulated in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, 2025-2029.

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26 September 2023

The Namibian Police Force and UNESCO Join Forces to Enhance Media-Police Relations

In July 2023, the Namibian Police Force (Nampol) under its Training and Development Directorate, partnered with UNESCO and initiated a 5-day comprehensive module development programme on ‘Freedom of Expression in Relation to the Media and the Safety of Journalists’ with a view to integrate this module within its curriculum for police officers of all ranks. These proactive steps to put in place measures to advance freedom of expression and reinforce journalists’ safety in Namibia, were done following Namibia’s participation in the Africa-continental dialogue and regional training on freedom of expression and safety of journalists, held in Mombasa, Kenya in November, 2022 – with a decision by Nampol to replicate the training at a national level. The training addressed the complex and multifaceted role of the police and law enforcement officers in ensuring freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. On one hand, the police play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining public order, which includes protecting the right to freedom of expression. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including journalists who often find themselves in dangerous situations while carrying out their work. ‘In a world where information flows rapidly and boundaries between nations blurs, the role of journalists as guardians of truth and accountability has never been more important’ - Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Joseph Shikongo The purpose of this training module is to train and strengthen the competencies of all current and new law enforcement personnel with the necessary skills to cultivate professional relationships with the media and ensure the protection of journalists through enhanced communication practices. The module development workshop took place from the 7th to the 11th of August 2023 in Swakopmund and received its inauguration and closure under the auspices of Commissioner Nicolaus Kupembona, the Regional Commander of Erongo Region. The collaborative effort behind the module’s creation drew upon the expertise of 18 participants, 16 of whom were members of the Police Force, while 2 participants hailed from UNESCO and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO. Following this module development and with the help of an international expert, a pilot 5-day Training-of-Trainers (TOT) workshop was officiated by the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Joseph Shikongo, in Windhoek from the 4th to the 8th September 2023. The workshop brought together 44 police officers and trainers from all 14 regions across the country, including members of the special reserve force, while 8 journalists engaged in a dialogue with police officers on the last 2 days. It's a first of its kind training. The objective, which is to train the trainers, is very good because we are the people that train police officers on-the-ground, including the public relations officers in the police as well as the community affairs officers. Once we train the community affairs police, they will take it to the public. So, the public as well as the journalists will know how to interact with the police during riots or public demonstrations. - Warrant officer, Vallery Vashinda, Oshana Region Field Training Office. Participants were engaged in a blended programme of theoretical presentations to facilitate engagements and practical simulation drills to assess law enforcement's ability to respond to and manage a public disorder event. As a way forward, the module on Freedom of Expression in relation to media and safety of journalists will be shared with the Namibia Media Ombudsman for a final review and then endorsed by Nampol for integration into the Police College curriculum for onward training. Once adopted, Namibia counts as one of the first countries in the African region to develop and apply such a course for security forces on freedom of expression and safety of journalists, marking a crucial step towards reinforcing the rule of law and enabling a free and safe environment for media workers. I think this was a much-needed training, especially for me [as a journalist]. Before, I saw the police as an enemy. Following this workshop, I have a different mentality. We shouldn't work against each other, but with each other, for the better interest of the Namibian public. We are all working for a common goal, but just from different approaches. - Linea Dishena, Namibia press agency, Nampa This training was supported by the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists. Since 2013, UNESCO and its partners have trained over 11,500 security forces from 160 countries on freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists through online and on-ground training workshops, dialogues between security forces and journalists, and the publication of a number of toolkits and guidelines.

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26 September 2023

Keeping Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Cultures Alive in Modern-Day Namibia

The world's indigenous people are the guardians of profound cultural traditions that have distinct languages and unique ancestral knowledge systems associated with the land that has been passed down through generations. The Khoisan – often also referred to as the ‘san’, is a collective term used to refer to the various indigenous hunter-gatherer tribes from regions around Southern Africa who depend on the natural environment to fulfill their basic daily needs. While the various Khoisan tribes are assimilated due to the click sound in their lingo and similar physical features, they have distinct groups with unique identities and varying dialects such as the Hai//om, Ju/'Hoansi, ! Xu (or Vasekele), Kwe (or Khwe), //Khau-/eisi, and Naro,! to name a few. Mr. Cwi N/ani, a 50-year-old man from the Ju/'Hoansi tribe formed part of the commemorations of the 2023 International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples hosted on the 9th of August, at Outapi, Omusati region, in northern Namibia. He expressed the intentionality in passing on indigenous knowledge to the younger generation through storytelling and traversing practices, to keep the culture thriving for generations to come. He, however, expressed dismay at the numerous influences that tempt the Ju/'Hoansi youth to deviate from their indigenous way of life - often with negative consequences. He pointed out modernization associated with climate change, alcohol abuse, food scarcity, and children and elderly neglect as a few of the key challenges. Before alcohol became so common in their community, they relied on the youth as the workforce to hunt and gather for the families. However, now youth are seized by alcohol while in pursuit of modern life. Furthermore, the migration of youth to the nearest towns also worries Cwi because these young people often fall prey to modern social woes such as cheap labour, illegal prostitution, and other forms of abuse. The commemorations reinforced Indigenous youth as the torchbearers of cultural continuity and the custodians of their communities' values and traditions under the theme 'Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination'. Cwi was well pleased with the thoughtfulness of the theme which shone a light on the spirits of indigenous youth and acknowledged their contribution to cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and social progress for sustainability. The culmination of various indigenous groups from Namibia on the day featured unique arts, crafts, music, dance, and storytelling as expressions of their unique cultural identities. These expressions are essential manifestations of their collective memory and cultural heritage. Cwi further expressed his gratitude for the recognition that indigenous people are getting in Namibia, as well as events such as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, that are vital to raising awareness of their cultures and rights. He concluded that although it is difficult to keep their culture and indigenous way of life alive in the modern world, he is hopeful that as the world continues to recognize and celebrate indigenous people; the indigenous youth will develop a sense of pride in their identity and become instrumental in bringing positive changes in their communities. He is also determined to keep teaching the youth about indigenous knowledge systems and he embraces positive modern developments such as Education for All which gives their youth a chance to access education. Language, as a critical component of preserving Indigenous systems, has propelled UNESCO to commit support towards initiatives that preserve, promote, and revitalize indigenous languages, ensuring that they continue to flourish and thrive for generations to come. To strengthen this commitment, UNESCO is serving as a lead UN Agency for the implementation of the Global Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032, in cooperation with other relevant UN Agencies. The International Decade of Indigenous Languages aims to draw global attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization, and promotion. To localize the global plan, UNESCO is supporting the development of Namibia’s National Action Plan aligned with the Global Action Plan. The National Action Plan provides guidance for government agencies and competent bodies, as well as for civil society organizations and other public-private stakeholders to develop their own institutional plans according to the country's needs.

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25 September 2023

Namibia Triumphs as Host and Champion at the UN Africa Games 2023

SWAKOPMUND, Namibia - The coastal town of Swakopmund was abuzz with excitement and camaraderie as the UN Africa Games 2023 concluded in a spectacular fashion. Namibia, not only the gracious host but also a formidable competitor, emerged as the overall champion, clinching the coveted cup. Zimbabwe followed closely, securing second place, while South Africa rounded off the top three. The games, which saw participation from various UN country offices, were not just about sportsmanship and competition. They were a celebration of unity, collaboration, and shared harmony. Many participants expressed their joy at finally meeting colleagues in person, with whom they had previously only interacted via email. The event provided a unique platform for networking, fostering deeper connections, and strengthening inter-office relationships. Swakopmund, known for its chilly weather, played the perfect host. While the temperatures were on the cooler side, the warmth of the interactions and the success of the event more than compensated for it. Visitors were particularly impressed with the town's cleanliness, picturesque landscapes, and architectural beauty. The positive feedback about Swakopmund was overwhelming, with many participants expressing their desire to return. The UN Africa Games 2023 also served as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the participating countries. After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the games were revived this year, symbolizing hope, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. The event culminated in a grand gala dinner and award ceremony, where Namibia's victory was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The evening was not just about acknowledging the winners but also about celebrating the spirit of the games and the bonds forged during the event. As the curtains came down on the UN Africa Games 2023, the memories created, the friendships made, and the lessons learned will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all those who were a part of this remarkable event.

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Press Release

25 November 2022

Message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Every 11 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member — and we know that other stresses, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic turmoil, inevitably lead to even more physical and verbal abuse. Women and girls also face rampant online violence, from misogynistic hate speech, to sexual harassment, image abuse and grooming by predators. This discrimination, violence and abuse targeting half of humanity comes at a steep cost. It limits women’s and girls’ participation in all walks of life, denies their basic rights and freedoms, and blocks the equal economic recovery and sustainable growth our world needs. Now is the time for transformative action that ends violence against women and girls. This means governments designing, funding and implementing national action plans to tackle this scourge. It means involving grassroots and civil society groups at every stage of decision-making. It means ensuring that laws are implemented and respected, so survivors see their rights to justice and support upheld. It means supporting public campaigns that challenge patriarchal norms and reject misogyny and violence. And as this year’s theme — “UNITE: Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” — reminds us, it means standing with activists around the world who are calling for change and supporting survivors of violence. I call on governments to increase funding by 50 per cent to women’s rights organizations and movements by 2026. Let’s take a stand and raise our voices in support of women’s rights. Let’s proudly declare: We are all feminists. Let’s consign violence against women and girls to the history books.

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Press Release

28 November 2022

Labour Migration Governance Key to Protecting Migrant Workers in Southern Africa

The President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnagwanga will officially open the high-level conference which seeks to find ways to foster fair and effective labour migration governance and the protection of migrant workers in Southern Africa. Led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the High-Level Tripartite Dialogue is a culmination of activities and research organised by the Southern African Migration Management (SAMM) Project to identify priorities at the national level and advance in the implementation of country-level labour migration policies and action plans in the SADC region. It is designed to improve migration management in the Southern African and Indian Ocean region guided by, and contributing to the realisation of, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda goal 8 on decent work and economic growth and goal 10 on reducing inequality and Objective 6 of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) to Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work. Since almost half of all migrant workers in the SADC region are women, the conference will spotlight the importance of labour migration policies to be gender-responsive and evidence-based. For many women, as for men, migration can represent a positive experience and have important emancipating and empowering impacts. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA, year ), the feminization of migration has reached significant levels in the Southern African region with 47 per cent of all migrants being female. But often female migrants are confronted with gender specific disadvantages and vulnerability in the migration process and in their employment. Women workers, especially young female migrants, often end up in situations of double or even triple discrimination, disadvantage, marginalization and vulnerability (including violence and harassment as well as forced labour. “Maximizing the benefits of labour migration and minimizing the risks and social costs requires sound and effective labour migration governance,” said Ms. Hopalong Phororo, ILO Director for ILO Country Office for Zimbabwe and Namibia. “Expert studies and data show that migration, particularly labour migration, is an important enabler and beneficiary of regional integration and economic development in Africa.” Across the world, migration is largely linked to the search for a job and better wages, and even if employment is not the primary driver, it usually features in the migration process at some point. In Southern Africa, as in many parts of the world, migrants face prejudice, intolerance and stigmatization in their workplaces and communities. “It is necessary to advocate for improved migration management in Southern Africa, as a pivotal approach to addressing the challenges of migration, and ensuring that migration has a positive outcome for the country, migrants, and the members of their families”, said Mr. Ashraf El Nour, IOM Regional Director for Southern Africa. The Southern African region has had a long history of intra-regional migration. All Member States of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) are involved in labour migration flows as countries of origin, transit, or destination and often they play the three roles at the same time. In the SADC region, migrant workers are present in agriculture, fishing, mining, construction, food processing, domestic work, caregiving, cleaning, restaurants-hotels, transportation and retail trade. The two day conference will promote fair, ethical and effective labour migration governance through tripartism that brings Ministries of Labour/Employment, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, as well as workers’ and employers’ organisations and social dialogue particularly in the development of rights-based, gender-sensitive and evidence-based labour migration legislation and policies, taking account of labour market needs. The conference will assess labour migration governance progress so far, gaps and challenges as well as main opportunities to consider in the SADC region. It will also identify tripartite constituents’ labour migration governance priority areas of collaboration, share existing and proposed good practices and recommendations and mention current roles and contributions. It will also provide a platform to tripartite partners to re-organise and re-strategize on labour migration governance in Southern Africa About the SAMM Project The SAMM Project is a United Nations Multi-Agency programme composed of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The European Union is supporting and funding the implementation of the project.

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Press Release

26 October 2022

WFP calls for action following World Food Day to avoid another year of global record hunger

“We are facing an unprecedented global food crisis, and all signs suggest we have not yet seen the worst. For the last three years, hunger numbers have repeatedly hit new peaks,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. "Let me be clear: things can and will get worse unless there is a large-scale and coordinated effort to address the root causes of this crisis. We cannot have another year of record hunger". The global food crisis is a confluence of competing crises – caused by climate shocks, conflict, the prolonged impact of COVID-19 and economic pressures – that has continued to push up the number of severely food insecure people all around the world, including in Namibia, where out of a population of 2.3M, there are 0.3M (13%) who are consuming food insufficiently. In WFP Namibia, we strive to achieve a better life for all through 32 sustainable food systems projects across the country with 1,457 direct beneficiaries. Additionally, 29 schools are piloting Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) projects with 11,730 beneficiaries. Finally, for cash-based transfers through the
Japanese government, 17,712 vulnerable people have been selected in Omaheke, Kunene and Oshikoto regions, including nearly 3,700 malnourished children under the age of five. Each family will receive a value voucher equivalent to US$ 38 per month for three months (October 2022- December 2022) to cope with the inflation in the price of food and commodities secondary to the Ukraine-Russia war. Building on this year’s theme for World Food Day – “No one left behind” – WFP calls for coordinated effort across governments, financial institutions (IFIs), the private sector, and partners to mitigate an even more severe food crisis in 2023. This includes reinforcing national economies, social protection
systems, and regional and domestic food systems – at speed and scale. "It is the business of each of us to practice the theme of this day by planting one fruit tree together with a crop wherever we live,’’ said Ms Ericah Shafudah, Deputy Country Representative of WFP Namibia. This year’s World Food Day (WFD) celebration took place in Uukwiyuushona village on the premises of Uukwiyuushona Combined School on Saturday, 15th October 2022. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) spearheaded the preparation of WFD, and WFP participated as a sponsor. The role of WFP was to support one beneficiary (a 55-year-old female farmer in Oshana) in setting up a shade-netted garden of 0.5 ha for the planting of spinach, carrots, cabbage and beetroot among other vegetables, for a diversified diet including income generation. The farmer will use the vegetables to
support a kindergarten with 19 children and a household of 7 people (26 beneficiaries in total). The total support cost for this activity was N$60,000 (US$ 3,500). Another activity for this event was capturing a video as part of the FAO-WFP Namibia school meals Campaign (SMC) in the Mphe Thuto Primary School, Omaheke region. The video was selected for showcasing during the Junior World Food Day on the 14th of October 2022. While these efforts provide succour to some of the severely vulnerable, it is against a challenging global backdrop in which the number of acutely hungry people continues to increase requiring a concerted global action for peace, economic stability and continued humanitarian support to ensure food security around the world. Other sponsors participating in the celebration by implementing various activities were the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), GIZ Namibia, Namibia Agronomic Board, Agri Gro, Coca Cola, NamWater, MeatCo, Namport, Choppies Namibia, Marco Fishing Charitable Trust, Namibia Agricultural Mechanization and Seed Improvement Programme (NAMSIP), Agro Marketing and Trading Agency (AMTA), Shivute Family Trust, Oshakati Town Council, Kaap Agri, Uukwambi Traditional Authority and the Ombandja Traditional Authority. The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter_ @WFP_Africa, @WFPNamibia. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram: @WFPNamibia For more information, please contact the following persons:
Luise Shikongo, Communications and Reporting Associate, WFP/ Namibia: luise.shikongo@wfp.org
Rawan Taha, Operational Information Management (OIM) and Performance Reporting (PR) Officer, WFP/ Namibia: rawan.taha@wfp.org

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Press Release

22 August 2022

Connected African Girls Coding Camp Brings ICT skills to Namibian girls

The coding camp is commissioned by ECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa) in partnership with the government of The Republic of Namibia (MICT), UN Namibia, UN WOMEN, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Telecom Namibia. The hybrid training brings together African women and girls between 12 to 25 years of age, with 100 from Namibia physically attending while hundreds more join virtually from around the African continent. The coding camp runs from 16 - 24 August 2022 and is hosted at the Windhoek Palm Hotel. “The Government of the Republic of Namibia continues to support projects like the Connected African Girls Coding Camp as they directly benefit and uplift our citizens. The Government through the Ministry of ICT is committed to implementing effective legislation that provides easy access to ICTS with the aim of creating a knowledge-based society. Over the years, the Government has made significant strides to integrate digital technology with the national development objectives,” says Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of Information and Communication Technology during his keynote address during the official opening. “In our endeavors to ‘leave no one behind’ to harness ICTs in education will go a long way in contributing to achieving Goal 17 of Agenda 2063’s aspiration 6 which seeks to eliminate all barriers to quality education, health and social services for women and girls on the African continent,” says Sen Pang, UN Resident Coordinator, UN Namibia. The African Connected Girls initiative aims to narrow the digital gap by empowering young African women and girls with the necessary foundational building-block skills to find long-term success in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, while creating a conducive environment for collaborative efforts. The Namibian Connected African Girls Coding camp features four main workshops on animation, web development & gaming, IoT & robotics, and 3D printing. Graphic design is included as a common course in line with artificial intelligence, design thinking, and computational thinking. This camp will also feature master classes on Gender-Based Violence, UN SDGs, and Agenda 2063 including personal development skills. “To prepare our young women to lead the fourth industrial revolution, we must champion initiatives such as the Connected African Girl initiative. Coding has become the new literacy! Girls and young Namibian women need to become digitally savvy and active participants in shaping Namibia's digital future,” says Jean Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural resources Division, UNECA. On the final day of the camp, an innovation fair will be held enabling the girls to showcase their projects developed during the coding camp by targeting solution-oriented ideas in response to the continent’s socio-economic challenges. In the last four editions of the coding camp, trainees
have developed 198 innovative projects, of which 40 were recognized for their contributions to the community. Some attendees from the Connected African Girls Coding Camp shared what they hoped to achieve with this initiative: "I want to learn more skills to train others and start up computer classes at our school. I would like to learn more about ethical hacking." - Ndapandula Hango, Grootfontein, Grade 10 "People are using technology more in this modern age, children must learn to use technology. I use technology for research and play games. I really want to learn to create my own games." - Caren Sue Kahmann, Hardap Region, Grade 9. "I am obsessed with gaming. I want to gain more skills on how to design games and code. I am here for the skills that I can learn." - Theresia Ndilimeke, Grade 10 Khomas Region "My younger brother introduced me to coding initially. In grade 10 I realised how important it is in relation to my subjects. I am very interested to learn how to use my subjects ( in the workshop) in a way that will help me develop new ways of entrepreneurship and help me improve the living standards in rural areas. - Latoya Bernard, Otjikoto Region, Grade 12

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