UN Namibia commemorates 75th Anniversary

On United Nations Day, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Gutteres asked people everywhere to join together. “The United Nations not only stands with you...The United Nations belongs to you and is you: “we the peoples,” were the words expressed by the SG during his message to the world.

UN Namibia commemorated the organisation’s 75th Anniversary in Okahandja’s ‘Five Rand Community’ at the Ileni Tulikwafeni Centre. The commemoration was marked under the theme: “The Future We Want, the UN we need.”

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Hon. Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, stated that

 

“The Government of the Republic of Namibia remains committed to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will continue to invest resources to ensure that targets, as set for the specific goals are achieved.”

“Let us make this anniversary an ideal moment for us to engage in collective introspection and to prepare conditions favourable to the achievement of the SDGs for building back better in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she concluded.

Mr. Sen Pang, UN Namibia Resident Coordinator reiterated the importance of achieving the SDGs,

“If we are to uphold our pledge to “leave no one behind,” we must redouble our efforts, in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular attention to the needs of the most vulnerable and that of women and children.”

Ms. Kaunapawa Hangula, Project Manager of the Ileni Tulikwafeni Centre received the UN’s donation of over 100 copies of the children’s story book “Frieda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” specifically to nurture a culture of reading among children in the community and to learn more about the SDGs. Youngsters from the Vyf Rand Primary School entertained guests with local dances and song, which was a highlight for the participants.

 

The launch of the UN75 song, “Better Tomorrow” was a celebration of collaboration and the spirit of ubuntu. The song brings together upcoming Namibian artists along with established headline artists, to share their art and talent to inspire Namibia and the world with a song, which holds a universal message – coming together for a better tomorrow.

The musical project includes the likes of established Namibian artists like Suzy Eises, Lioness, KP Illest (who won male artist of the year at this year’s Namibian Music awards), as well as a platform for upcoming young stars SheCantgo, Harry Rheeder and Professy. Established DJ Shoza also worked on the project. A household name in production and established artist Jeiyo was the creative producer behind this exciting project.

 

The song, “Better Tomorrow” is a call to action for Namibians and for people around the world, to look to the future, the future we want. It heralds the possibility of a positive future living in solidarity within the local and global community, working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the blueprint working for the betterment of people, planet and prosperity. The song provides an authentic flow from each artist’s distinctive style and musical talent.

The artists agree that the song aims to reinforce the hope that we can all play our part in shaping the future, together, for a “better tomorrow.”

View the music video here:.https://bit.ly/3mr9XoC

For more information, please contact, Ms. Welda Mouton at +264815511378 or via email at mouton@un.org or Anthea Basson, +264 815511695, or via email at bassona@un.or