United Nations celebrates its anniversary with local community

The United Nations (UN) System in Namibia celebrated the 73rd anniversary of the UN, UN Day, with the local community at an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, elderly persons home, hospital and university, under the theme ‘#UnitedwithUNNamibia’.

UN Day is commemorated annually on 24 October. For 73 years, the United Nations has been working to protect human rights for all and ensure peace across the globe, through peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance. Through its specialised agencies, funds and programmes, the UN works to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for future generations. Here in Namibia, the UN also has a long-standing history, having served as a trusted partner dating back to the time of independence in its fight against poverty and along its path towards sustainable development.

Since then, Namibia has made great strides in line with national and international development agendas in ensuring that no one is left behind. However, challenges still exist. Less than a quarter of Namibian children are enrolled in an early childhood development (ECD) programme, there are concerns about violence against, abuse and maltreatment of older persons and in particular older women in Namibia, there is an increasing burden on the health sector of non-communicable diseases and youth employment stands at close to 40%.

Reiterating the UN’s support in addressing these challenges, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. said, “Our partnership framework with the Government, the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2019-2023, outlines our plan of action to ensure that we eradicate poverty and inequality. The Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also clear, we must end poverty, protect the environment and ensure prosperity for all.”

She further emphasised the importance of partnership in executing this plan of action, “And to do this, we need the commitment of everyone. On this UN Day, I encourage you to stand #UnitedwithUNNamibia and speak about injustices you see in your community and to bring about the positive change you want to see.”

Odede, a group of UN Namibia staff members as well as the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, represented by Catherine Vries, the Senior Education Officer for the Directorate of Programme and Quality Assurance, spent the morning with children and teachers at Humble Care Centre, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Goreangab.

Aluteni Christian Nangolo, who runs Humble Care Centre with his wife Josephina Tsamases, thanked the UN for the support and said that he hopes to provide the children with knowledge

and skills, "We must water [children's] minds and invest in them now, so that they can grow and have many successes."

Giving children a solid foundation in the early years is the best investment society can make in ensuring they succeed in life. UN Namibia donated educational materials to help build that foundation, and is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, as outlined in UNPAF’s Pillar 2 ‘Social Transformation’ and SDG 4 ‘Quality Education’.

The UN also donated a healthy snack, two trees and a water tank, which will be delivered to the site. “Trees play an important role in keeping our air clean and reducing pollution. We hope that this tree is a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment,” said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative a.i., Izumi Morota-Alakija.

Before eating the snack, the Humble Care Centre children learned about the importance of sanitation and how to properly wash their hands. Washing hands with water and soap prevents the spread of disease, and clean hands save lives.

Another group of staff members, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, Dennia Gayle and the UN Migration Agency (IOM) Representative, Jeremias Mendes, spoke with the leaders of tomorrow at the International University of Management (IUM). In Namibia, the youth make up over 66% of the population and are an imperative force in sustainable development.

Farayi Zimudzi, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Representative, along with Ruusa Mushimba, National Programme Coordinator from United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) led the group of staff members which shared a meal with senior citizens at Katutura Old Age Home, taking the time to listen to their stories and reminding them that they are important.

The final group, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Namibia Dr. Sagoe-Moses and the UNAIDS Country Director to Namibia, Dr. Tharcisse Barihuta, visited patients at the Central Hospital Children’s Cancer Ward.

The UN remains committed to upholding dignity and human rights for all people, protecting the planet and eradicating poverty, to ensure that no one is left behind.