In Kavango West, one of Namibia’s most drought-stricken regions, the unforgiving landscape reflects the daily struggles of over 125,000 households facing food insecurity. Yet amid these harsh realities, a renewed sense of hope is taking root—both literally and figuratively. Through strong partnerships, innovative projects, and unwavering dedication, the United Nations Namibia team is empowering vulnerable communities to adapt, rebuild, and thrive.Central to these efforts is the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has been instrumental in addressing the impacts of the persistent drought. Over the past year, CERF funding has enabled life-saving interventions in nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), improving the lives of thousands. These initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029, Namibia’s strategic blueprint for tackling its most pressing development challenges. In Gava village, UN-supported community health outreach programmes are addressing malnutrition, a critical issue in a region where over 30% of children experience stunted growth. Health workers conduct regular screenings for malnutrition while providing vital support to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Complementing these efforts, cash voucher programmes empower families to purchase nutritious food, offering immediate relief while preserving dignity and independence.During the mission to Kavango West Region on 11–12 December 2024, UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of the drought. In Kurekuru Extension 1, parched soils, emaciated livestock with visible rib cages, and strained water sources highlighted the immense challenges faced by both people and animals. Hygiene kits were handed over to affected households, with Ms. Phororo delivering an inspiring message: “While we are here to support, reflect on how you can actively contribute to your own well-being alongside the assistance provided.” Her words underscored the UN’s human-centered approach, which focuses on empowering communities to take charge of their future while equipping them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. At Siya village, the Resident Coordinator visited a UN-supported community garden and soup kitchen providing nutritious meals to vulnerable families while fostering sustainable food production. In Mupuni No. 1, she engaged directly with community members and regional leaders, gaining insight into pressing challenges, such as high rates of malnutrition and teenage pregnancy. These visits reinforced the urgent need for integrated, long-term interventions to build resilience and break cycles of vulnerability.The success of these targeted programmes is guided by the Comprehensive Country Assessment (CCA), which ensures that interventions are grounded in data and community feedback. This approach aligns with Namibia’s development priorities while addressing the root causes of vulnerability. According to the 2023 UN Annual Results Report, CERF-funded programmes have already reached over 500,000 people, saving lives and strengthening resilience in even the most isolated communities.As Namibia grapples with the dual challenges of prolonged drought and climate change, stories from Kavango West demonstrate the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance. Whether through vital health services, innovative agricultural solutions, or holistic community support, the UN Namibia team is showing that, with solidarity and action, even the most vulnerable communities can withstand adversity and build resilience.In Kavango West, hope is no longer a fleeting dream—it is a tangible reality shaped by the resilience of its people and the steadfast commitment of those working alongside them. While emergency relief addresses immediate needs, it is the focus on sustainable, long-term solutions that transforms hope into a living force, paving the way for a better tomorrow. 

This year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been. Nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages.  And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day.  This is appalling and inexcusable. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, settler violence and threats of annexation are inflicting further pain and injustice.It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States. As a matter of urgency, I appeal for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people – in particular through the work of UNRWA, which represents an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.

 The 12th annual Model United Nations Namibia (MUNNAM) Conference took place on November 5-6, 2024, at the United Nations House in Klein Windhoek, where high school learners were honoured for their outstanding contributions during the closing ceremony. Jointly hosted by UN Namibia, the British High Commission, and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the conference allowed learners to simulate a UN General Assembly session focused on gender equality and women's empowerment.Over two days, delegates successfully passed one resolution out of four tabled. Awards were presented by H.E. Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia, and Dr. Carlos Fernandez Garcia, Team Leader & Strategic Planner at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office.The top honours went to the following delegates:Best Delegation: Delegation of HaitiNdapewa Shilemba (Windhoek International School) and Johannes Johannes (Hage Geingob High School) Best Delegate: Johanna Shikongo, representing Australia (Hage Geingob High School) Best Speaker: Benjamin Oldenburg, representing India (Windhoek International School) Best School: Windhoek International School All participants received certificates of participation, with 16 schools and 93 delegates marking a successful conference. Reflecting on the event, Charles Moore stated, "I was truly impressed by the outstanding display of diplomacy from our young delegates. It is clear that the Namibian youth are well poised to lead in the future. Listening to their ideas and perspectives inspires hope for a brighter tomorrow."Samuel Ocran, UNICEF Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized the importance of youth engagement: "Youth are not just beneficiaries of the UN Agenda; they are essential partners in shaping a sustainable future. With their energy, creativity, and innovation, young people play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."The MUNNAM conference continues to empower Namibian youth by fostering critical thinking, public speaking skills, and international cooperation. This initiative not only enriches their educational experience but also equips them with invaluable skills for their future endeavours.About MODEL UNThe Model United Nations Namibia (MUNNAM)programme in Namibia is a flagship educational programme of the United Nations Information Centre in Windhoek. Delegates learn useful life skills such as research, public speaking, resolution writing, debating, negotiating, lobbying as well as solutions-based thinking and diplomacy. Participants learn more about the UN, multilateralism and the ability to take on a position outside their own. MUNNAM has been running for 12 years with UNIC Windhoek as custodian. 

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.