Development Partners join hands on COVID-19 response in Namibia

UN Namibia in conjunction with the National Planning Commission (NPC) convened a virtual Development Partners Meeting on 30 April 2020 to discuss the COVID-19 response in the Republic of Namibia.

Hon. Obeth Kandjoze, Director General of the National Planning Commission said that the Government of Namibia has taken effective measures in the COVID-19 health sector response and socio-economic impact and recovery response.

The meeting was held as a first step to collect information in order to set up coordination mechanisms which will improve efficiency, reduce overlapping, make better use of resources and ensure alignment to national priorities.

UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Ms. Rachel Odede welcomed partners to the virtual briefing, the first of its kind, and commended the Government of Namibia for the prompt and proactive action taken so far in response to COVID-19.

"The UN response is holistic and integrated and laying foundations for mid and long term recovery, resilience, and keeping on track on the Sustainable Development Goals," she said.

During the meeting, partners presented on their various response and recovery plans in light of COVID-19 and in support of the Government of Namibia. Moving forward, the partners in conjunction with NPC decided to establish working groups focusing on health response and socio-economic response which would meet to further enhance their coordination and support to Government.

Development partners in attendance included:

EU Ambassador and EU Delegation, PEPFAR, USAID, CDC, Peace Corps, French Embassy and French Agency for Development, UK High Commission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Embassy of Finland, Consulate General of Switzerland, High Commission of India, African Development Bank, World Bank, KFW Bank, Embassy of Japan, Spanish Embassy and the Chinese Embassy.

Ms. Annely Haiphene, the Executive Director for the National Planning Commission expressed her appreciation toward the UN System in Namibia and the esteemed Development Partners for their commitment to work alongside Government to reap maximum benefits together.

The meeting was an unequivocally successful demonstration of partnership and solidarity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the words of the UN Secretary General, "Exceptional times demand exceptional solidarity."

The UN Resident Coordinator a.i. thanked all present virtually and physically, highlighting the importance of a collective response.