Multi-Stakeholder Workshop Reviews Namibia’s Progress on the SDGs

During a two-day workshop held in Otjiwarongo, and a continuation to the inclusive preparatory process for Namibia’s 2021 Voluntary National Review (VNR), stakeholders convened to review and validate data and information for the country’s National SDG Progress Report. This will be Namibia’s second VNR--following the first in 2018--to be presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum in July 2021.

The VNR is a country-led and nationally owned process. Under the coordination of the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the National Statistics Agency (NSA), Namibia has been undertaking this multi-stakeholder consultation with a range of partners, including Government Ministries, Parliament, trade unions, NGOs, development partners, the private sector, and the United Nations System. Subsequently, the country seeks to utilize the VNR process to strengthen policies and institutions and to mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the SDGs, at the national level.

The draft National SDG progress Report inclusive of all the 17 SDGs, tracks progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda respecting their integrated nature, and is an input to the VNR process.

The VNR is Namibia’s opportunity to highlight gains, challenges and to establish mechanisms for progress based on qualitative, quantitative data and information, and national level consultations, in the spirit of Leaving No One Behind.

In his statement, Mr. Ned Sibeya, Director at the NPC and the National Focal Point for the VNR process in the country, stated that: “This VNR, currently aligned with the fifth National Development Plan (NDP 5), is being conducted in the context of COVID-19, and following the recently launched Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII).  Thus, the process offers opportunity to reflect on the past, while looking into the future. The process of the 2018 VNR engendered information that we integrated in our national planning. We are expecting the same, from this 2021 VNR.”

Ms. Eunice Ajambo, UN Economist & Development Coordination Officer noted that, “the UN is committed to supporting the Government maximize opportunities from her VNR process and we are pleased by the level of commitment, showcased by the National SDGs Multi-Stakeholder Committee.”

The workshop was a joint effort by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, GIZ, and UN Namibia.