Bridging Classrooms and Global Goals: Learners Explore the UN’s Role in Namibia — and Beyond

In an inspiring initiative to connect Namibian youth with global issues, United Nations Namibia opened its doors for an "eye-opening, multi-site educational journey" facilitated by Wilderness Safaris for 23 learners and three teachers from eight high schools, joined by a Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) student. This excursion, part of the UN4U School Visit Programme, aimed to deepen their understanding of the United Nations, its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Pact of the Future, and Namibia's development path, as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029.

The journey began at the United Nations House in Windhoek. The students engaged in interactive presentations that covered the UN's history and its mandate in Namibia, focusing on critical areas such as peacebuilding, human rights, climate action, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Their active participation was evident through their insightful questions, such as "Is what we Google about the UN true?", demonstrating a strong desire to fact-check and grasp global cooperation from a local perspective. One learner reflected, "Now we understand that the UN works in our communities—on the ground—not just from its offices", highlighting a shift in their perception of the UN's tangible impact.

A significant part of the visit involved engaging with United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Hopolang Phororo. She welcomed the group, stressing youth participation in shaping both the UNSDCF and the Pact of the Future. Ms. Phororo shared, "I was so privileged to spend time with the learners and moved by the profound insights of one of the male learner, who said the cause of GBV is absent fathers and when I asked what could be done, he proposed training or mentoring programmes for boys and men." She also stated, "Our agencies work across Namibia—supporting youth, protecting the environment, and working side-by-side with government and communities. You are part of this journey". Ms. Phororo connected the UNSDCF's four pillars—Governance, Economic transformation, Sustainable development, and Community resilience—to the Pact’s vision for a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive global system by 2030 and beyond.

To illustrate the interconnectedness of the SDGs, the learners participated in the "Swift 30 game," an educational simulation where teams solve development challenges within 30 seconds. This hands-on activity sparked intense discussions, with one team reflecting, "You can’t end hunger (SDG 2) without climate action (SDG 13) and quality education (SDG 4). Drought affects crops, and learners missing school affects everything". This demonstrated their deep understanding of the complex nature of global challenges.

The excursion proved to be more than just an informational session; it ignited future aspirations among the students, transforming abstract goals into tangible career pathways in diplomacy, development, science, and conservation. As one student enthusiastically declared, "One of us might work at the UN one day to change things", underscoring the transformative power of such direct exposure. The participating schools, including Michelle McLean Primary, Westmond High, Centaurus High, Rocky Crest High, WJD Cloete Combined, NAMCOL, Concordia High, and Academia High, have committed to nurturing young individuals to become knowledgeable and active contributors to Namibia's future. The learners departed with not only newfound knowledge but also a broadened perspective and a personal investment in advancing Namibia’s development and the global Pact of the Future.