United Nations in Namibia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Namibia.

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17 November 2022

FAO supporting Namibia to develop new Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme

The first ever Comprehensive Conservation Agriculture Programme (CCAP 2015-2020) registered commendable progress towards improving food production and incomes for farmers in Namibia. The Framework aimed to increase the application of CA principles and practices among the crop-growing farmers of Namibia. Godfried Meeja, from Otjozondjupa region says that adopting CA was the best decision he ever made as a farmer as he increased yields and now earns a decent income, while Paulina Aluuma added her voice to the awareness encouraging other farmers to adopt CA as it is an effective means to counter negative climate change effects such as low and variable pattern rainfall experienced in their Oshana region. “CA has been promoted as an entry point to Climate Smart Agriculture and has the potential to contribute towards mitigation of some of the climate change and food systems challenges in Namibia,” Mildred Kambinda, Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) noted in the meeting to evaluate the ended CA framework. Formulating second generation of CA Framework The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through a 10 countries regional project “Strengthening Coordination, Scaling Up and Governance of Conservation Agriculture in Southern Africa (SUCASA)” is supporting development of the second generation of CCAP in Namibia. The five-year Programme will inspire Namibia’s farmers towards adopting CA in order to ensure resilience, food security and nutrition as well as environmental protection. The development of the first generation of the CA framework was also supported by FAO in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR). “As the global climate crisis intensifies, more and more countries are beginning to adopt climate-smart, sustainable agriculture to ensure food security to feed millions of vulnerable people", Ferdinard Mwapopi, Assistant FAO Representative (Progammes) in Namibia said during a consultative meeting. "Namibia still remains a net importer of food items and is thus highly exposed to environmental and economic factors affecting it as well as those prevailing in food exporting countries, and this increases its vulnerability to the shocks", added Mwapopi. Transitioning to climate-smart agriculture practices Consultations among key stakeholders are underway from development partners, academia and farmers to guide the design of the new intervention, and also ensure ownership and its successful implementation. The new CA framework is being designed with the technical support from FAO and will seek to transition Namibian farmers from rain-fed traditional farming practice toward climate-smart agriculture. Conservation Agriculture adoption and scaling up is highlighted in the 5th National Development Plan for Namibia 2017-2022 and the MAWLR Strategic Plan 2017-2022. The country has a target to have more farmers adopt at least one of the CA practices; minimum tillage, crop rotation and organic soil cover, by 2025 to ensure food and nutrition security. The urgent need to scale up CA Agriculture in Namibia is primarily rain-fed with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. “Despite agriculture being the main source of food for the smallholder farmers, most conventional farming practices have negative impacts on the ecosystems and contribute to environmental degradation, for example loss of soil quality,” Mwapopi noted. With the country’s vulnerabilities such as prolonged dry spell and floods which at times take place simultaneously, Conservation Agriculture adoption would provide sustainable food production. The FAO support is aimed at enhancing institutional and individual capacities of researchers, extension officers and farmers to enable the adoption of new agricultural good practices for improved crop production. The capacities of the MAWLR are being developed to promote CA principles to help farmers increase production and productivity, thus reducing risks and building resilience to climate change.

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27 November 2022

Youthconnekt Namibia Launched

OTJIWARONGO, Namibia — The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the YouthConnekt Namibia initiative on 21 September 2022. YouthConnekt Africa is a Pan-African program established by the African Union to co-design and expedite suitable solutions for youth socio-economic development, as well as to support intergovernmental knowledge exchange on policy, initiatives, and collaborations. Operationalised in 2020, the YouthConnekt Africa hub aims to contribute to the achievement of Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mandate, the AU 2063 agenda and the AU Youth Charter. Through national YouthConnekt initiatives, the hub accomplishes its mandate by coordinating a global network to create a continental ecosystem for African youth; sharing experience and knowledge on programme and policy design, youth initiatives and providing a conduit for resources at scale and data on youth empowerment initiatives. The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Hon. Emma Kantema-Gaomas said YouthConnekt Namibia aims to involve Namibian youth in the YouthConnekt Africa Hub, where they will be expected to share ideas, submit business initiatives and acquire technical development skills. “Our mandate as a ministry is focused towards the promotion of youth empowerment initiatives as expounded in our third national youth policy. It is, therefore, our duty to ensure that we join hands with development partners and other progressive organisations in the development of youth,” said Hon. Kantema-Gaomas during the launch. She added that there is an urgent need for youth participation at the top end of the country’s economy, hence, the government has put together a variety of policy interventions designed to bring youth into the mainstream of the economy in order to improve inclusion and cohesion. “Africa's most valuable resource is its youth, and Namibia is no exception, with youth constituting the majority of the population,” she stated. Loide Amkongo, UNFPA Namibia Assistant Representative and Officer in Charge urged youth to read more to keep abreast with developments and opportunities. “Read, Reach and participate,” she advised the youth during a panel discussion on how Namibian youth can prepare themselves to fully benefit from the YouthConnekt. “Finally Namibia has officially become part of YouthConnect Africa. We have started to connect with youth from all over Namibia and I cannot wait to connect with youth from the rest of the continent. I want to thank our government for this wonderful initiative, bringing youth together for problem-solving, promoting youth engagement, and empowering the youth,” said Valmary Jantjie, a youth from! Kharas region. Riaan Siyama, a youth from the Zambezi region also looked forward to connecting with fellow youth and hearing their thoughts and ideas, especially on how to end gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. Siyama is a co-founder of Building Every Opportunity for Change, a civil society organisation that works with men to prevent GBV in Zambezi region. “Without concerted efforts to address GBV and other forms of gender injustices, the lives of women and girls in the country remain at risk." "I’m very thankful that we have been accorded the opportunity to be part of the YouthConnekt Namibia launch where we can showcase our work as well as collaborate with other youth around the country and make it effective for us to combat these social illnesses in our country,” he added. The fifth YouthConnekt Africa Summit took place in Kigali, Rwanda in October this year, where hundreds of young people from the member states of YouthConnekt Africa gathered to share experiences, knowledge, and skills. Some of the members of YouthConnekt Namibia attended the summit in Kigali.

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14 November 2022

Adolescents and youth with disabilities, and adolescents living with and affected by HIV empowered on HIV and Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights

UNAIDS Namibia in collaboration with the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NFPDN) with the support of UNICEF and UNFPA recently facilitated a two-day workshop on HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Windhoek, as part of the 2gether4SRHR initiative. The workshop provided a safe platform for adolescents to interact and share key issues, successes and challenges that they face, for enhanced programming to address gaps in the HIV response, and to strengthen linkages between adolescents with disabilities and other adolescents, including those living with and affected by HIV to strengthen inclusion and partnerships. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted access to life-saving sexual and reproductive and other health services for adolescents, especially those with disabilities and those living and affected by with HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted access to life-saving sexual and reproductive and other health services for adolescents, especially those with disabilities and those living and affected by with HIV. In her opening remarks, Dr Alti Zwandor, UNAIDS Namibia Country Director, encouraged participants to actively contribute during the workshop and continue engaging in programmes for and with youth and adolescents to end inequalities. “I hope that your views, suggestions, and recommendations from this workshop will inform the outcome document that will be developed to provide guidance on gender-transformative and human rights-based interventions for adolescents with disabilities in Namibia." " I therefore urge you to be as free, open, and frank as possible,” said Dr Zwandor. Among other challenges, the lack of sign language interpreters and skills is a big concern in Namibia as interpreters are usually fully booked when needed by the hearing-impaired community. This was also highlighted by the Namibia Planned Parenthooh Association (NAPPA), a youth friendly service provider for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and support. This continues to limit access to health and other social and essential services, leaving people with disabilities behind. “We often get discouraged to seek services from health facilities as there are no sign language interpreters to communicate our needs to healthcare workers and information hardly reaches us," said Martha, an adolescent with hearing impairment. Participants emphasized the need for the inclusion of adolescents with disabilities in the HIV and COVID-19 responses to ensure that people with disabilities access quality and equitable health services. UNAIDS has long advocated for a three-track approach to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities in the HIV response, being: Disability-specific activities and mainstreaming disability across all aspects of HIV responses. Participation and active involvement of people with disabilities in all programme elements. Disability-inclusive policies, programmes and implementation strategies that ensure appropriate funding and resources. UNAIDS Namibia calls for all partners to use the social model, which acknowledges that the current inequalities are not due to peoples’ disability or vulnerability, but the inability of society to eliminate barriers challenging persons with disabilities. This will ensure inclusive development and programming for adolescents and youth so that they benefit from available services, and that the social and structural barriers that prevent young people from accessing HIV services are removed. Speaking on behalf of the NFPDN, Mr. Orben Muluti calls for communities to start practicing equity and not equality. “Equity will help us move to a better world, where all societal systems recognize the issues of people with disabilities and work collectively with them to mainstream disability in all aspects of life.” said Muluti. In closing, the NNAD Director, Mr Paul Nanyeni highlighted the limited communication modalities for people with disabilities and emphasised the need to strengthen joint advocacy for the inclusion of sign language as an official language in Namibia. The workshop was facilitated by various partners including AfriYAN Namibia, Regain Trust, NAPPA, Youth Empowerment Group (YEG), UNFPA, UNICEF and UNAIDS. The outcome document will be shared with all stakeholders for accelerated action for HIV and SRHR programming for adolescents with disabilities.

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03 December 2022

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Marks 29 Years of Disability Advocacy

It was first launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3. The event is in its 29th year of celebration, marking nearly three decades of meaningful change for the community of Persons with Disabilities. Such days allow us to pose and shine a light on different situations of Persons with different disabilities worldwide and what our contributions as society are towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of life. This day is aimed at celebrating the successes of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights and well-being in all spheres of society and development. Although we live in a world where the contributions of persons with disabilities are not seen, it is very important to remember that a disability is less than the abilities of someone with a disability. This year’s theme is “Transformative solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World” Focusing on three areas namely- Employment, Sports and Innovation by and for persons with disabilities. Today and every day the UN is working together with people with different disabilities to create a world that is accessible, equal and inclusive for our fellow Brothers and Sisters who are differently abled, but the UN cannot do this alone since disability is a cross-cutting issue. How can you assist the UN in creating an accessible, equal and inclusive world for persons with disabilities around you? As we commemorate the 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we do enjoy the following poem entitled "No One" by Ms Pelgrina Ndumba, a UN Namibia Country Staff Member with a Visual Impairment. No one Seeking the acceptance of our communities should not be in vein, because no one will live our lives on our behalf. A life of societal discrimination and ignorance should be a story of the past, because no one can live our lives on our behalf. A helping hand to cross the street or to count money should not discourage us from achieving our goals, because no one should live our lives on our behalf We are valuable agents of change; we are well able and should make a mark on the world because no one will live our lives on our behalf. We are more than our faces; we are more than what you see. Our potential SHOULD be fully realized because no one will live our lives on our behalf. Nothing about us will be done without us, because no one will live our lives on our behalf Daily, we must face the inescapable challenges birthed from stigma and hate. We are who we are today, because no one will live our lives on our behalf. Morale In whatever you do always be yourself, because you are not who you are by mistake and don’t let anything or anybody put you down, because you are able.

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15 November 2022

Towards an Early Warning System for Harmful Algal Blooms in Namibia

IOC-UNESCO and Namibia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources organized major consultation to assess the specific needs and requirements for establishing an early warning system for harmful algal blooms in the Southern African country. About 300 hundred species of microalgae are reported at times to form mass occurrences, so-called algal blooms. Nearly one-fourth of these species are known to produce toxins harmful to nature and to human beings, and the scientific community refers to these algal events as ‘Harmful Algal Blooms’ (HAB). Proliferations of microalgae in marine or brackish waters can cause massive fish kills, contaminate seafood with toxins, and alter ecosystems in ways that humans perceive as harmful. The impact of harmful microalgae is particularly evident when marine food resources (e.g. fisheries and aquaculture) are affected. Even though not all species are visibly affected by harmful algal blooms – such as shellfish and finfish –, they accumulate the toxins in their organs and subsequently transmit them to humans through consumption, leading to serious health threats. “In the interest of food safety for the end consumer, an early warning system for HABs will serve as a food safety intervention tool to identify potential risks required to be managed; to maintain consumer and customer confidence; and to expand national, regional and international trade through the promotion of a safe seafood commodity.” - Heidi Skrypzeck, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Namibia Monitoring of harmful algal blooms is essential in providing forecasts and early warnings for a potential HAB event, enabling regional authorities, industry, or individuals to take actions to mitigate public health, environmental, or economic risks and impacts. The 5-6 October workshop gathered 32 participants from government ministries, the private sector, academic institutions, and official laboratories to define the early warning system requirements for Namibia, review current capacities and resources in place, and outline missing knowledge and data gaps. As a result of collaboration between the Government of Namibia, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) and UNESCO’s Windhoek Office, the workshop marked the starting point of the development of an early warning system for HABs in Namibia combining monitoring with a mitigation and adaptation strategy. “Through its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO strives to assist Member States in managing and mitigating the impacts of harmful algae, essential for a productive and sustainable seafood industry.” - Henrik Enevoldsen, Head of Ocean Science at IOC-UNESCO The workshop helped national stakeholders identify and share the main causes and effects of harmful algal blooms in Namibia, including mortalities, human food poisonings, ocean oxygen depletion, and the associated economic and ecological impacts – in particular on the export of shellfish products. Participants identified an urgent need to establish a rapid monitoring and regulatory framework to ensure the protection of human health and safe seafood trade from the regular occurrence of harmful algae in the country. “Engaging from the beginning with the different stakeholders is crucial to ensure that the early warning system being developed will eventually effectively meet their specific needs.” - Marie-Yasmine Dechraoui Bottein, invited expert from the University of Côte d’Azur

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10 September 2025

A voice for the unheard

Living with a hearing impairment herself, she understands the isolation and layered discrimination that can come with both gender and disability.Growing up, Ms. Nel learned to find her place in a world that was not built for her. “I know what it feels like to be on the outside, to be overlooked,” she says, her hands moving with the graceful precision of sign language. “That’s why this center isn’t just a building; it’s a promise that no one will be invisible.”The newly opened Peer Support Office, a collaboration between NADAWO, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stands as a symbol of this pledge. It provides a refuge for survivors, offering trauma-informed counseling and a chance to rebuild their lives. For Ms. Nel, who has seen the profound vulnerability of persons with disabilities to gender-based violence, this work is deeply personal.“We are often the most vulnerable,” she explains. “People with disabilities face unique obstacles when trying to report violence or seek help.” She points to barriers often invisible to the wider community: the lack of sign language interpreters or Braille materials, the physical challenges of reaching a police station or clinic, and the reality that many GBV programs simply are not designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities.Breaking the chains of silence“These barriers don’t just limit our ability to report; they silence us,” Ms. Nel states with conviction. But at the NADAWO center, the goal is to break that silence. Here, survivors receive more than just emotional support. They are mentored and empowered to speak out, even in a courtroom setting.“We want to prepare them for what lies ahead, including court cases, so they can speak out without fear,” she says. This guidance is crucial for survivors who may feel intimidated by the legal system or worried that their voices won’t be heard. By offering this support, the center aims not only to help them heal but also to hold perpetrators accountable.Ms. Nel believes true change happens when survivors are empowered to tell their stories and take control of their own narrative. The center, open to everyone but with a special focus on persons with disabilities, is a critical step in making that a reality. It is a place where empathy and shared experience form the foundation of recovery, and where the center, guided by Ms. Nel, supports persons with disabilities in sharing their experiences.Support from EU and UNFPAThe Peer Support Office is one of several civil society initiatives funded through the EU–UNFPA Gender Equality and Combatting Gender-Based Violence Project. Running from 2024 to 2027, the project focuses on addressing service gaps, strengthening prevention efforts, and enhancing coordination in key regions such as Zambezi, Ohangwena, Khomas, Kunene, and Omaheke. By working closely with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, line ministries, and civil society organizations, the initiative promotes gender equality, improves access to quality GBV services, and supports data-driven decision-making.

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10 September 2025

“We deserve to be seen”: Haiyambo Jakko’s journey to the Youth Advisory Panel

Youth voices united. Jakko with fellow YAP members during the three-day national induction workshop in Windhoek. “People used to stare at me,” he says. “Sometimes they’d whisper or ask insensitive questions. But I always believed I was more than just how I looked.”Jakko, a young Namibian with albinism, is one of the newest members of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Namibia Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) to amplify young voices in shaping national priorities around sexual reproductive health, gender equality, and youth development.For him, this opportunity is more than a personal milestone; it’s a step forward for young persons with disabilities throughout the country. “It means a lot for someone like me to be part of this,” he says. “As a young person, yes, but also as someone with a disability. Too often, our voices are missing from conversations that affect our lives.”Finding purpose in visibilityJakko says he has spent much of his life advocating for himself, both in school, healthcare settings, and everyday life. “Many people still believe persons with disabilities are fragile or incapable,” he explains. “But what we need is opportunity, not pity.”He first heard about the YAP opportunity through a friend who shared a flyer from UNFPA Namibia’s social media. “I hesitated at first,” he admits. “I thought, maybe they’re looking for someone who fits the usual image. But then I realised, if I don’t try, how will things ever change for young people like me?”Now, sitting on the panel alongside other dynamic youth from all parts of the country, Jakko brings a lived perspective that is often missing from decision-making spaces. “Representation matters,” he says. “When young people with disabilities are included, it changes how programmes are designed. It challenges assumptions.”Challenging silence and stereotypesJakko is aware of the layered barriers that persons with disabilities face, especially in rural areas. “Access to education, jobs, even something as basic as sunscreen or eye care, those aren’t always guaranteed,” he says. “That’s why inclusion in national platforms like the YAP is so important. It’s about making our needs visible.”He also believes that change begins with visibility. “We need to normalise seeing young people with disabilities in leadership. In schools. On panels. On TV. If we’re not seen, we’re not heard.”A platform with purposeAs part of the YAP, Jakko hopes to advocate for more disability-inclusive policies, especially around education, employment and sexual and reproductive health. “Young people with disabilities also need access to information about their bodies and rights,” he says. “Too often, these things are assumed not to concern us.”He dreams of a future where disability is no longer seen as a limitation. “I want to help create a country where every young person, regardless of ability, feels like they belong, like they can contribute.”For now, he’s proud to take his place at the table and to pull up a few more chairs while he’s at it.

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10 September 2025

“I still want to finish school”

Inside, 21-year-old Elly Tjondu sits on a blanket on the floor, carefully dressing her two-month-old baby in a white fleece babygrow.Elly’s story is unfortunately one all too common, a story of teenage pregnancy stealing away the chance to learn, grow and pursue a dream.At just 15, Elly became pregnant for the first time and sadly the baby passed on, but the impact was lifelong. At 18, she gave birth to a healthy daughter, and with support from her parents , she managed to return to school. Her mother looked after the baby whilst she went to school, went home to breastfeed during breaks. But last year, at age 20, Elly fell pregnant again. She gave birth to her second child in June this year. This time, due to poverty, her parents asked her to stay home and breastfeed, with the plan that she can return to school in January 2026. Elly is now the mother of two, but she is also still a daughter, and still a young woman with an interrupted dream.“I should have been in Grade 11 this year,” she says, her voice quiet but certain. “That’s all I want, to go back and finish school.”Both fathers of her children are still learners, currently in Grade 10 and Grade 11. This detail powerfully illustrates that teenage pregnancy is not solely a ‘girl’s issue. It points to a broader need for strengthened comprehensive sexuality education that actively engages boys and equips them with the knowledge and sense of responsibility to prevent early pregnanciesThe Tjondu family outside their home in Alpha Village, united in love and resilience despite daily challenges. “We forgave her.”Elly lives with her parents, Kaukondua and Uandende Tjondu, and her siblings in their small homestead in Alpha Village. Another of their daughters also gave birth recently, and her baby is just over a year old. Elly’s mother, Uandende, also gave birth this year. With several young children in the household, the family faces significant caregiving and financial pressures“Yes, we were hurt,” Uandende says. “But we forgave her. She is our child. We can’t throw her away.”Her face is tired, but her voice is gentle. “We told her to be strong now, to take care of her baby, and that she can go back to school next year when the baby is older. We forgave her, but this is the consequence.”There is no stable income in the household. Elly’s father, Kaukondua, is a welder who picks up small jobs from neighbours when he can, fixing tools, doors, gates, and more.“I try,” he says, standing by his tools. “But work is not always there. I do what I can.”When asked whether he’s confronted the families of the boys who fathered his grandchildren, he shakes his head.“I haven’t gone to them,” he says. “It’s not easy. In our Himba culture, when there is no marriage, you don’t go to the boy’s family.”He pauses. “But also, they are still children. They don’t work. What can they really do? I just focus on what I can, looking after my grandchildren.”Barriers beyond stigmaElly’s struggle to return to school goes beyond judgment or disapproval. Distance and poverty weigh heavily. The nearest clinic is 15 kilometres away in Opuwo, and without transport, basic services like postnatal care or contraception are out of reach.“I wanted to get contraceptives after my second child,” she says, “but if you don’t have money for a taxi, you just stay at home.”Still, Elly remains hopeful. “I want to go back to school. I want to work and raise my children well. I want them to have more opportunities than I did.”Namibia’s Education Sector Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy protects learners’ right to education, allowing them to remain in school during pregnancy and return within a year after giving birth.Yet for many girls in Kunene, this right is hard to realise. The region has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the country, with more than one in five girls becoming pregnant before adulthood, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Long distances to health facilities, limited access to a broad range of contraceptives , and gendered power dynamics around contraceptive decision-making all contribute to the problem.To address this, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Namibia supports the government by building the capacity of teachers to deliver comprehensive, life skills-based sexuality education, and by training healthcare workers on provision of adolescent friendly health services including provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). UNFPA also advocates to the government to strengthen access to a broad range of contraceptive options for adolescents and young people, especially in underserved areas.

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10 September 2025

A second chance at education

Ngatupetuke shares a light moment with her mother, Tjisunga Muukubande, whose support has been crucial in helping her return to school after giving birth. Being a girl in this indigenous, semi-nomadic community often means herding and moving with livestock in search of grazing during droughts, resulting in missed weeks or even months of lessons.Child marriage, early pregnancy, and deeply rooted patriarchal traditions further hinder girls’ education. Many also start school at an older age, putting them at a disadvantage and increasing the likelihood of dropping out before completing their studies.For 24-year-old Mukanga Ngatupetuke, the journey back to the classroom was made possible by two factors: Namibia’s Learner Pregnancy Policy and the unwavering support of her mother. In addition, she is using contraceptives to prevent another unintended pregnancy, allowing her to focus on completing her education.In 2023, at the age of 22, Ngatupetuke gave birth to a baby girl. At the time, she feared her dream of completing school was over, as she would now face the challenges of raising a child while continuing her education.“I was not happy with my pregnancy,” she admits. “I felt bad for my mother, who now had to take care of my baby.”Her mother, 84-year-old Tjisunga Muukubande, stood by her side, supporting both her daughter and granddaughter.Ngatupetuke spends time with her niece on her lap while helping with household chores, balancing her responsibilities as a young mother and a student. Support that changes futuresWith her mother’s encouragement, backing from her school, and the provisions of Namibia’s Learner Pregnancy Policy, Ngatupetuke was able to return to Omuhonga Combined School. Teachers welcomed her back, and the school provides counselling and guidance to help learners reintegrate and continue their studies.Otilie Shivute, the school’s Life Skills teacher, explains that unintended pregnancies among learners in Kunene are the result of multiple, interconnected challenges:“Cultural values and limited knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptives, are contributing factors,” she says. “Child marriage is another, girls are expected to take on the role of wife while still attending school. This often leads many to drop out for two to three years, as they stay home to care for their children.”After giving birth, the school provides returning learners with counselling and academic support to help them catch up and balance their studies with parenting responsibilities.Her mother urges other parents to do the same.“Parents, please support your children and allow them to go back to school,” says Tjisunga.For Ngatupetuke, this experience has been transformative.“I will not do it again,” she says of becoming pregnant before completing school. “I want to finish my education so I can have a better future for myself and my child.”UNFPA support to keep girls in schoolUNFPA Namibia works with the Government to reduce unintended pregnancies and help girls stay in school. This includes training teachers to provide comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), an age-appropriate, scientifically accurate curriculum that equips young people with knowledge about their bodies, relationships, rights, and responsibilities. Research shows that well-informed youth are more likely to delay sexual activity, avoid unintended pregnancies, and protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections.UNFPA also trains healthcare workers to provide adolescent-friendly reproductive health services, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and advocates for broader access to contraceptive options for young people, particularly in underserved areas.Through these efforts, learners like Ngatupetuke can return to school, access the support they need, and complete their education despite the challenges in their communities.

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18 August 2025

Public Notice: Misuse of the UN name, acronym and emblem by the entity called “United Nations Independent System-Wide Evaluation Mechanism (UNISWEM)

It has come to the attention of the United Nations that an entity or group calling itself the “United Nations Independent System-Wide Evaluation Mechanism (UNISWEM)”, led primarily by an individual named Dr. Peter Wandwasi based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been misusing and misrepresenting the UN name, acronym, and emblem.We wish to clarify and confirm that neither “UNISWEM” nor Dr. Wandwasi are in any way affiliated with the United Nations.The use of the United Nations name, including any abbreviation, and the emblem is strictly reserved for the official purposes of the Organization, in line with General Assembly resolution 92(I) of 7 December 1946. Any other use requires the express authorization of the Secretary-General. Commercial use is explicitly prohibited. Furthermore, the UN name and emblem are protected under Article 6 ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Stockholm, 1967).The United Nations has issued three formal cease-and-desist notices, most recently on 8 February 2024, instructing Dr. Wandwasi to immediately halt all activities seeking to associate him or “UNISWEM” with the UN.For clarity, “UNISWEM” should not be confused with the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office (UNSDG SWEO), which was officially established in December 2023 to strengthen oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the UN system.In light of the above, the United Nations strongly advises Member States, partners, and the public not to engage with “UNISWEM” or Dr. Wandwasi. Any approaches or correspondence from this entity or individual should be reported to the UN for appropriate action.

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Press Release

29 April 2025

UN Namibia Mourns Loss of Young Girls and Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Child Protection

Violence against girls and humanity is unacceptable under any circumstances and must be addressed with the full force of the law. The UN calls for thorough, prompt, impartial and independent investigations to ensure accountability and prevent such acts from happening again. These acts of violence against children represent a profound violation of their fundamental rights and underscores the importance of continuing to strengthen protective measures for all children. As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Namibia must uphold its obligations to prevent unlawful killings, protect the best interest of the child, including protection from all harm, prevent discrimination and gender-based violence, and hold perpetrators to account.The loss of any child is devastating as it tears at the very fabric of society. Every child has the fundamental right to live in safety, dignity and peace. Protecting these rights must remain a shared priority.“We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of 15-year old Beyoncé !Kharuxas, 5-year-old Ingrid Maasdorp, and 6-year-old Rosalind Dinelao Fabian, a national tragedy that must strengthen our resolve to protect all children,” said Ms. Hopolang Phororo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia. “The protection of our children must be a non-negotiable priority. We owe it to every child, every parent, and every future generation to act with courage and urgency. The UN in Namibia stands ready to support national efforts and encourages enhanced and coordinated action to prevent and respond to violence against children.”UN Namibia encourages an urgent and compassionate collective national response to ensure every child is supported and protected. Strengthening Namibia’s child protection systems is vital to ensure that services are adequately funded, easily accessible, and effectively responsive. This also includes enhancing access to justice for affected children and their families by expediting investigations and legal processes. Furthermore, increasing investment in violence prevention and psychosocial support, especially at the community level remains a key priority. Promoting education and awareness within communities is equally important, empowering all members of society to safeguard the wellbeing of every child. Violence against children must never be accepted as inevitable. This is also an opportunity for Government to implement recommendations received from various UN human rights treaties which focus on enhancing community support, male engagement, and awareness programs, while also building capacity among healthcare workers, police, judiciary, and civil society to tackle gender-based violence; addressing the root causes of child abandonment and ensuring children's rights to life, survival, and development; and the need for prompt, impartial investigations into violence against women, prosecuting and punishing perpetrators appropriately, and training police, prosecutors, and judges on gender-based violence issues.The UN Namibia stands in solidarity with the families of Beyoncé, Ingrid, and Rosalind during this time of profound grief. We call for a swift, coordinated and urgent national response that leaves no child behind. We reaffirm our commitment to the Government of the Republic of Namibia and all stakeholders to create safer environments for every child. Justice must be delivered swiftly and fairly, upholding the human rights and dignity of every victim.The UN remains committed to supporting Namibia’s efforts in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 5: Gender Equality, and implementation with its human rights obligations. We recognize that ending violence against women and girls must begin with protection them from their earliest years.

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Press Release

04 February 2025

UN SDG Book Club African Chapter Celebrates World Read Aloud Day with Global Read-a-thon

The Power of Reading AloudWorld Read Aloud Day, observed annually on February 5th, emphasizes the significance of reading aloud and sharing stories to foster literacy, empathy, and community building. This day holds particular importance in Africa, where access to reading materials can be limited, and literacy rates vary greatly across the continent.Empowering African ChildrenBy celebrating World Read Aloud Day, the UN SDG Book Club African Chapter aims to inspire a love for reading and storytelling centered around sustainability concerns among African children. Reading aloud has the power to bridge cultural divides, preserve heritage, and foster a sense of shared humanity.Partnering Schools Across the GlobeThe UN SDG Book Club African Chapter is delighted to partner with the following schools worldwide:1. Islamic Day Secondary School - Ibadan, Nigeria2. Banana Island International School - Lagos, Nigeria3. Nature-Nurtured Basic Academy Chukuku - Abuja, Nigeria4. Holy Family Languages School for Girls - Cairo, Egypt5. Saint Fatima Language School - Cairo, Egypt6. Chrisland Schools Group - Lagos, Abuja, Nigeria7. Beehive School - Lagos, Nigeria8. Mohammed El-Sheikh Preparatory School - Casablanca, Morocco9. Bal Bhavan Public School - East Delhi, India10. Mount Abu Public School - North West Delhi, India11. Maharaja Aggarsain Adarsh Public School - New Delhi, India12. Maharaja Agrasen Model School - New Delhi, IndiaSaluting Young AmbassadorsWe salute the participating children for their enthusiasm and dedication to reading and promoting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These young ambassadors are helping to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.About the UN SDG Book Club African ChapterOur mission is to promote literacy, foster a love for reading, and inspire action towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among African children ages 6-12. We also showcase Special Collections of selected books addressing sustainability themes for young adults and adults.Join the Celebration!Starting from 12 noon on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, selected video highlights from the read-a-thon will be published on:- Ambassador Schools Program website: sdgafricaambassadorschools.com -YouTube channel: UN SDG Book Club African Chapter Follow us on social media for promotions:- Facebook: Borders Book Reviews and Nigeria Volunteers Network- Instagram: Borders_Book_Reviews- Twitter: @sdg_book_clubWe look forward to sharing the joy of reading with you!

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Press Release

24 October 2024

UN Calls for Commitment to Agenda 2030 and beyond, as Namibia Prepares for the 2025-2029 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

Last month, the Pact for the Future was adopted at the United Nations General Assembly, providing a renewed vision for multilateralism aimed at addressing global challenges and delivering on promises for a better future.In Namibia, the United Nations is ushering in a new era of development cooperation with the launch of the 2025-2029 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which succeeds the 2019-2024 United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF). Reflecting on lessons learned from the previous framework, much progress was made in social transformation—such as in health, education, and gender-based violence—less was achieved in environmental governance, economic transformation, and governance outcomes. These areas, require a concerted push for greater impact under the new UNSDCF.Tackling inequality in an integrated manner and placing people at the centre of the work the UN does with an emphasis on young people is the overarching goal. This requires concrete actions to move beyond rhetoric and meaningfully engage young people in the implementation. Central to the 2025-2029 UNSDCF is a renewed focus on addressing persistent issues such as gender-based violence, rising teenage pregnancies, increasing unemployment, and the challenges of drought and floods. These issues, which continue to affect Namibia’s population, remain key priorities for the next phase of collaboration between the UN and Namibia.The UNSDCF 2025-2029 prioritizes four key areas:Effective Governance and Public Service Delivery: Strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting transparency.Economic Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience: Supporting economic diversification, job creation, and SME growth for inclusive economic development.Sustainable Development and Green Growth Opportunities: Promoting sustainable natural resource management and strengthening climate resilience.Human Development and Community Resilience: Improving access to quality healthcare, education, and social protection services to ensure no one is left behind.These areas of focus are closely aligned with Namibia’s national priorities outlined in the forthcoming Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the Vision 2030. In this new framework, young people and marginalized communities will remain central to all development efforts. The UN aims to create more inclusive opportunities for youth participation in the economy and decision-making processes, while ensuring that women, rural populations, and people with disabilities are not left behind.The UN, while not a financing institution, has provided critical technical expertise, evidence-based solutions, and pilot programmes supported by catalytic funds. The UNSDCF emphasizes the need for greater coordination among UN agencies, and strengthening partnerships with government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to achieve more significant, sustainable results. Leveraging the comparative advantages of each partner and fostering collaboration rather than competition will be essential to driving progress.The Pact for the Future provides a global framework for supporting national priorities and acceleration towards the SDGs. The UNSDCF 2025-2029 underscores the UN’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s development objectives in the lead-up to 2030 and beyond.

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Press Release

11 October 2024

UN and Government of Namibia Join Forces to Address Drought Crisis Amid El Niño

This initiative aims to deliver immediate assistance to vulnerable communities complementing other interventions to build long-term resilience. This funding decision by the United Nations CERF follows the visit of the Office of the ASG/Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niňo / La Niňa Response, Ms. Reena Ghelani, and the OCHA Regional Office in July 2024. The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hopolang Phororo, and the ASG/Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niňo / La Niňa Response, Ms. Ghelani, advocated for UN support at regional and global level, as well as from development partners.
Namibia is currently facing one of its most severe droughts, influenced by the El Niño climate pattern, which has significantly impacted agriculture and food security across the nation. This crisis threatens the livelihoods of communities, particularly in the Omaheke, Kavango East, and Kavango West regions, which are classified as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 4, indicating an emergency in terms of food insecurity.
The United Nations, with the Government of Namibia, has mobilized US$3 million in response to this urgent need, leveraging the CERF. This funding, coordinated through the UN and OPM partnership, aims to complement the government’s Drought Response Plan to scale up lifesaving interventions to reach extremely vulnerable households in the most severely drought-affected locations in Kavango West, Kavango East, and Omaheke Regions.
The UN intervention will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for six months. The total number of people directly targeted is approximately 163,000 across the following sectors: food assistance; nutrition; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and protection from gender-based violence.
The UN will oversee the implementation in collaboration with OPM, national, and local partners to ensure the effective distribution of food and services to those in most need. These efforts not only address the immediate crisis but also lays the foundation for long-term resilience, focusing on strengthening local supply chains, enhancing nutritional knowledge, and building community feedback mechanisms.
The integrated approach is designed to ensure accountability and transparency, with monitoring mechanisms established to protect the rights of affected communities and promote sustainable livelihoods.

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Press Release

25 November 2022

Labour Migration Governance Key to Protecting Migrant Workers in Southern Africa

The President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnagwanga will officially open the high-level conference which seeks to find ways to foster fair and effective labour migration governance and the protection of migrant workers in Southern Africa. Led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the High-Level Tripartite Dialogue is a culmination of activities and research organised by the Southern African Migration Management (SAMM) Project to identify priorities at the national level and advance in the implementation of country-level labour migration policies and action plans in the SADC region. It is designed to improve migration management in the Southern African and Indian Ocean region guided by, and contributing to the realisation of, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda goal 8 on decent work and economic growth and goal 10 on reducing inequality and Objective 6 of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) to Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work. Since almost half of all migrant workers in the SADC region are women, the conference will spotlight the importance of labour migration policies to be gender-responsive and evidence-based. For many women, as for men, migration can represent a positive experience and have important emancipating and empowering impacts. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA, year ), the feminization of migration has reached significant levels in the Southern African region with 47 per cent of all migrants being female. But often female migrants are confronted with gender specific disadvantages and vulnerability in the migration process and in their employment. Women workers, especially young female migrants, often end up in situations of double or even triple discrimination, disadvantage, marginalization and vulnerability (including violence and harassment as well as forced labour. “Maximizing the benefits of labour migration and minimizing the risks and social costs requires sound and effective labour migration governance,” said Ms. Hopalong Phororo, ILO Director for ILO Country Office for Zimbabwe and Namibia. “Expert studies and data show that migration, particularly labour migration, is an important enabler and beneficiary of regional integration and economic development in Africa.” Across the world, migration is largely linked to the search for a job and better wages, and even if employment is not the primary driver, it usually features in the migration process at some point. In Southern Africa, as in many parts of the world, migrants face prejudice, intolerance and stigmatization in their workplaces and communities. “It is necessary to advocate for improved migration management in Southern Africa, as a pivotal approach to addressing the challenges of migration, and ensuring that migration has a positive outcome for the country, migrants, and the members of their families”, said Mr. Ashraf El Nour, IOM Regional Director for Southern Africa. The Southern African region has had a long history of intra-regional migration. All Member States of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) are involved in labour migration flows as countries of origin, transit, or destination and often they play the three roles at the same time. In the SADC region, migrant workers are present in agriculture, fishing, mining, construction, food processing, domestic work, caregiving, cleaning, restaurants-hotels, transportation and retail trade. The two day conference will promote fair, ethical and effective labour migration governance through tripartism that brings Ministries of Labour/Employment, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, as well as workers’ and employers’ organisations and social dialogue particularly in the development of rights-based, gender-sensitive and evidence-based labour migration legislation and policies, taking account of labour market needs. The conference will assess labour migration governance progress so far, gaps and challenges as well as main opportunities to consider in the SADC region. It will also identify tripartite constituents’ labour migration governance priority areas of collaboration, share existing and proposed good practices and recommendations and mention current roles and contributions. It will also provide a platform to tripartite partners to re-organise and re-strategize on labour migration governance in Southern Africa About the SAMM Project The SAMM Project is a United Nations Multi-Agency programme composed of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The European Union is supporting and funding the implementation of the project.

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