Parliamentarian Utaara Mootu is set to represent Namibia on the global stage as part of the Munich Young Leaders Class of 2025 in Germany.
She will join emerging leaders at the renowned Munich Security Conference, where critical global security issues, including regional conflicts in Southern Africa, will take centre stage.
“Being selected to represent Namibia as a Munich Young Leader is a tremendous honour that fills me with pride and purpose. It is a rare opportunity to engage with experts and world leaders on pressing issues related to foreign and security policy,” Mootu shared with Youth Corner.
The 2025 Munich Young Leaders Programme kicks off tomorrow with an informal dinner marking the eve of the 16th Munich Security Conference.
Over the following three days, the group of young leaders will engage in exclusive sessions with high-ranking participants, delving into global security challenges and exchanging ideas on how to address them.
Mootu said the conference will focus on pivotal concerns, such as the ongoing instability in Northern Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and clarion calls for international interventions through high-level discussions with global decision-makers.
Mootu sees her selection not only as a reflection of Namibia’s growing influence in international affairs but also as a personal milestone in her career as a policymaker.
“It is a privilege and an inspiration to collaborate with world leaders on some of the most critical challenges facing humanity today… As a Munich Young Leader, I will have the chance to explore key issues such as climate security, great power rivalries, and cybersecurity—topics vital to global and regional stability,” said the young politician.
Launched in 2009, the Munich Young Leaders Programme is a platform for emerging experts and policymakers to engage in dynamic political debates, expand their professional networks, and discuss foreign and security policy with senior global decision-makers.
The programme fosters intergenerational dialogue and encourages interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together young changemakers from countries such as Nigeria, France, Mexico, The Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Korea, the USA, Italy, Denmark, Kenya, China, and more.
Mootu highlighted that Namibia faces complex challenges in areas like climate change, energy security, and cybersecurity. She is particularly excited to contribute to conversations addressing the ongoing conflicts in Southern Africa, including those in Mozambique and the DRC, where international intervention is critical.
“The Munich Security Conference offers a powerful platform to address these regional issues while also forging valuable diplomatic connections,” she added.
The MP is eager to participate in intergenerational dialogues with seasoned leaders, a unique feature of the programme that provides mentorship opportunities for young leaders.
“I look forward to building lasting relationships and strengthening my ability to advocate for Africa’s interests on the global stage,” she said with excitement.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na