The United Nations marked its 78th anniversary in Windhoek on Tuesday, commemorating not only its own founding, but also its enduring 33-year presence in the free nation of Namibia.
“The United Nations holds a special place in the hearts of Namibians. Our journey toward independence began with the United Nations”, Jeroboam Shaanika, the deputy executive director at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation: Multilateral Affairs, acclaimed.
The journey of the UN has been a journey of hope and tribulations, Shaanika reflected, adding that when he was growing up, he looked up to the UN because it granted everyone self-determination.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme’s resident representative Alka Bhatia said Namibia’s journey with the UN dates as far back as the UN’s inception in 1946.
That is when Namibians started petitioning the UN for independence, and this is possibly the only African country with such a significant relationship with the UN.
“Beyond Namibia, this day is an opportunity for us all, as citizens of the world, to reflect on our United Nations, the principles and values of the Charter, the progress it is making in delivering peace and security in promoting and protecting human rights in supporting countries deliver development and advancing international cooperation,” she said.
Bhatia added this day is a reflection and rededication to the cause of the UN, and the resolve to do more in the service of humanity.
Moreover, the challenges towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are taking mankind to new frontiers to address the basic needs of the larger part of humanity, which encompass the need for food, shelter, health and education,
“As we celebrate today, we are mindful of poverty, conflicts and diseases, which continue to afflict the larger part of humanity,” she continued.
Bhatia noted that the UN in Namibia remains committed to supporting the efforts of the government, as articulated in National Development Plan 6, which is currently being formulated.
They are also at an important juncture, where they are developing the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025-2029.
“What is worth noting is that Namibia is playing a key role as a co-facilitator with Germany for this very defining opportunity to tackle our most urgent challenges, and where world leaders will renew their commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation,” said.
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