NEW YORK – Namibia will use the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to advocate for the recognition of Palestine and increased global investment in Africa.
This was said by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. Speaking in an interview ahead of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s address, she said Namibia’s voice carries weight because of its own history. “Namibia is a success story of the United Nations.
The international community came together and assisted Namibia in defeating apartheid colonialism. When we talk about multilateralism, we are saying that if countries work together for the same purpose, then we can achieve peace and development,” she said.
On the war in Gaza, the minister said Namibia will continue pushing for a permanent two-state solution.
“We are not punching above our weight. We are implementing Security Council and General Assembly resolutions that already call for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace,” she stressed.
The minister continued .“It’s not an easy decision to take, but it is a principled one.
Namibia has always stood for Palestine, and we will continue to do so”.
President in demand
Ashipala-Musavyi said President Nandi-Ndaitwah is “in demand” at the Assembly because of her long record on the international stage and leadership on gender equality. “This year marks 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, where she was the general rapporteur. Now, we have a woman President leading Namibia at the UNGA.
It shows the world that we are walking the talk on gender equality,” the minister explained
The First Gentleman is also set to have his own programme, focusing on the empowerment of the boy child.
“It is important that we empower the girl child, but the boy child must also move together. He will be using this opportunity to network and advocate on this issue,” she said.
Selling Namibia
Beyond diplomacy, the minister indicated that Namibia will use the global platform to market its economy.
“In her statement, the President will talk about Africa’s economic integration and what Namibia seeks in terms of trade and investment. She will also spend a full day in one of the states, meeting private sector leaders to attract investment into Namibia,” Ashipala-Musavyi said. She confirmed that sectors such as connectivity, ports, market access and business-to-business cooperation will be highlighted.
Namibia is also exploring a “twin city” partnership with Philadelphia. “Everybody wants a piece of Namibia,” the minister said confidently. “We are marketing our country, selling Namibia and ensuring that the President’s visit is successful.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres during her stay.
Her speech to the General Assembly will focus on multilateralism, peace and security, youth entrepreneurship and gender equality. “Namibia has a story to tell. We will tell it proudly,” Ashipala-Musavyi stated.