President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will use her maiden address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to call for stronger global unity, the defence of peace and multilateralism.

The President told journalists ahead of her departure to New York that Namibia will use the global platform to call for collective action in defending peace.

She touched down in New York on Saturday.

“Namibia is a country that believes in multilateralism because we know what it means when it comes to the maintenance of international peace, security and stability.”

 “If decisions are left to individual member states, that is very dangerous. So we are really expecting that as we mark the 80th anniversary, a deeper reflection has to be made,” she said.

The President warned that global conflicts are escalating, citing wars and unrest from Gaza to Africa.

“We know this time the world’s peace is really under threat because geopolitics is changing and it’s not changing for the better. We are seeing tension all over. We see what is happening in Gaza. We see the Middle East suffering attacks here and there. In our own continent, we are still having situations in the DRC, South Sudan and Mozambique,” she said.

Calling for collective action, Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that the UN must remain the guardian of peace.

“This is the time for deeper reflection so that a common position is taken — that we must defend peace in the world, if the planet is to remain safe for all,” she said.

Presidential Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo, during an exclusive interview before the arrival of the President in New York, said the President’s maiden speech will be a defining moment for both her leadership and the nation.

“This is a very big moment, not only for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first female President, but also for us as a country to see her on the global stage,” Mbambo said. “She is a seasoned diplomat with more than 40 years of experience in international relations, but this will be the first time she addresses the General Assembly as Head of State.”

He explained that the speech will reinforce Namibia’s long-standing positions on global justice. “Namibia has always had a principled stance on issues such as the economic embargoes on Cuba and Zimbabwe, the question of Western Sahara, and the plight of Palestine. This reflects our own history — we know how it feels to be oppressed and downtrodden. Until there is peace for all, we cannot be at peace,” he said.

Beyond the General Assembly, Mbambo said the President will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders to deepen ties and promote Namibia’s economic diplomacy. 

“Namibia has always been big on teaming up with other countries. Building bridges and nurturing new relationships is indispensable in a world that is constantly changing. We do need each other as a global community,” he said.

Part of the President’s trip also includes a working visit to Philadelphia, focusing on trade and investment. According to Mbambo, engagements will include meetings with political leaders, the business community, and visits to the port and airport.

 “Namibia is stepping into a new stage in terms of the oil and gas industry. These discussions will help us learn best practices and improve our own ports and airports,” he said.

The President’s delegation includes two senior ministers, representatives of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, and youth leaders. Among them is Fenny Tutjavi, the youngest MP in the National Assembly, who will participate in discussions on youth empowerment.

Mbambo added that Namibia’s presence at the UN is a reminder that small nations can still shape global debates. “No matter how small you are, you have a global opportunity through the UN General Assembly to express your views about how the world should be,” he said.

He said the president’s speech will resonate with every Namibian, both abroad and at home. 

“It is impossible to talk about Namibia’s independence without talking about the role of the United Nations. When the President speaks, she speaks on behalf of all Namibians — regardless of political affiliation or background. She carries the hopes of our people for jobs, peace, security and progress,” he said.