WINDHOEK – President Hifikepunye Pohamba departed for New York in the United States of America on Saturday, to attend the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. President Pohamba is expected to address the UN General Assembly for the last time as Namibian Head of State. He is also to attend other events on the sidelines, including the UN summit on Climate Change where he will deliver a statement. The 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will start today until this coming Saturday.
As can be remembered during his visit to Namibia in July this year, UN Secretary General, Ban-ki Moon, referred to the Climate Change Summit while recognising the positive role Namibia has been playing in the fight against climate. The summit will provide a unique opportunity for world leaders to make a bold commitments and actions towards reducing emissions, strengthen climate change resilience and to mobilise political will for a meaningful legal agreement in 2015.
During the event, Namibia will also host a high level side event on the Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognises the intrinsic role of women in conflict resolution rather than viewing them as victims of war.
It recognises their active role in conflict management, conflict resolution and sustainable peace. The Resolution was adopted during Namibia’s Presidency to the UN Security Council in 2000. The theme of the event will be “Enhancing the role of Women in Peace and Security”.
The annual treaty event will also be held from tomorrow till 1 October 1, which affords member states the opportunity to demonstrate their continuing commitment by signing and ratifying or acceding to treaties for which the UN Secretary General acts as depositor.
Namibia will use the opportunity of the treaty event to sign up to the Arms Trade Treaty. The Arms Trade Treaty is the first international legal instrument that is aimed at regulating the transfer of conventional arms including small arms and light weapons that continue to pose a threat to sustainable peace in developing countries, particularly in Africa. After his fully packed programme, president Pohamba will pay an official visit to the Republic of Cuba from September 27 to 29.