Charting Namibia's Path Forward: Insights and Commitments from the Strategic Planning Retreat and Cooperation Framework Training

Windhoek, Namibia – UN Namibia recently hosted the Strategic Planning Retreat (SPR) and Cooperation Framework Programming Principles training from 27-30th of November 2023. The event is integral to the United Nations support to the journey towards sustainable development in Namibia for the period 2025-2029. This four-day event identified consensus on results areas for the next Cooperation Framework with Namibia and built a common perspective on the partnership model between the UN family and Namibia. This process comes at a critical juncture, with SDG targets largely unmet and the need to accelerate the SDGs and implementation of NDP6 and Vision 2030.  

Government officials, civil society, trade unions, private sector representatives, and the UN team ensured alignment with the national development plan and global agenda. The dialogue touched on the six vital global transitions critical to achieving the SDGs: food systems, energy, digital connectivity, education, jobs, and social protection, and the key challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These areas represent both challenges and opportunities for Namibia, emphasizing the need for innovative and adaptive strategies.

Through the participatory use of foresight methodologies, participants were able to identify drivers of change, risks, and scenarios, which will help overcome the results agreed upon for the next Cooperation Framework to overcome key challenges, such as unemployment and non-inclusive growth, access to quality basic social services (health, education, social protection, and food security), gender inequality and violence, unsustainable natural resource management and vulnerability to climate change, and lack of timely statistics and citizen engagement for accountable institutions.  

Ms. Hopolang Phororo, UN Resident Coordinator, said, 'Namibia, like many nations, is navigating the complexities of economic growth and transformation. The slow pace of economic structural transformation is a significant factor influencing our productivity growth. Our efforts in various sectors are commendable, but the urgency demanded by the global economic landscape requires more diversified and resilient economic strategies. Aligning public spending with priorities that foster innovation, productivity, and long-term sustainability is imperative.'

Sylvester Mbangu, the Chief National Development Advisor and Deputy Executive Director at the National Planning Commission (NPC), emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "I would like to urge all of us to give this retreat the attention it deserves, considering that we are not doing this for ourselves but for the welfare of a Namibian child and the future generations. The outcome of this meeting will also inform our future cooperation. As Government, we pledge our continuous commitment and support to provide high-level strategic guidance and leadership throughout the formulation and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework."

A Collaborative Journey Begins

As the event unfolded, it became clear that the collaboration between Namibia and the UN is more than a partnership; it's a shared commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Namibians. The insights and strategies developed over these four days are set to shape Namibia's approach to the SDGs significantly, aligning national development with global sustainability frameworks.

Conclusion

As the Strategic Planning Retreat and CF training concluded, the anticipation for the outcomes and the collaborative spirit was palpable. Stay tuned for more updates as UN embarks on this transformative journey towards sustainable development and SDG acceleration in Namibia.