Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used her debut address to the United Nations General Assembly yesterday to call for sweeping reforms of the world body, while pressing for peace, climate action and economic justice.
Speaking during the high-level debate at the 80th session in New York, Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the UN’s 80-year history, crediting it for Namibia’s independence and her own political journey that began in 1974 within the organisation’s corridors. She told delegates that the UN had endured through wars and crises, but must now adapt to a fractured world facing conflicts, climate disasters and economic instability.
The Namibian leader warned that millions risk slipping into poverty due to a global liquidity crisis. She urged stronger multilateral action to tackle inequality, debt distress, youth unemployment, housing shortages, and gaps in education and healthcare.
At home, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia’s eighth administration is focusing on youth empowerment, agriculture, energy diversification and industrialisation under its Vision 2030 plan. She announced that public universities and vocational training centres will soon abolish registration and tuition fees, while a National Youth Fund has already been established to support young entrepreneurs.
On energy, she pointed to Namibia’s efforts to expand its mix of renewable and traditional resources, backed by an energy compact presented at the Africa Energy Forum to unlock concessional funding. She also revealed that Namibia is bidding to host the African Regional Hub of the Green Climate Fund, as the country grapples with recurring droughts and floods.
Turning to peace and security, Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed African Union, SADC and East African Community initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while urging the UN Security Council to strengthen peacekeeping and negotiations across Africa. She demanded the immediate implementation of a long-delayed referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara, describing the ongoing impasse as a grave injustice.
The Namibian president threw her weight behind the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which demand permanent African representation on the Security Council. “We can no longer delay redressing this historical injustice,” she said.
She further called for an end to economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, Cuba and Venezuela, and condemned what she described as genocide in Gaza, citing findings by the UN Commission of Inquiry. Drawing from Namibia’s own experience of apartheid and colonial oppression, she said international solidarity was a moral duty, not an act of charity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also warned about the risks of artificial intelligence, urging the creation of global standards to ensure fairness and transparency in its use. She noted that while technology is advancing rapidly, human judgment and responsibility must remain central.
On women’s leadership, she pointed to Namibia’s Cabinet, which is 57 percent female, and announced plans to host two high-level events in New York and Windhoek to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
She concluded by urging unity in global governance, reminding member states that small nations also deserve to be heard. “Even the smallest voices can secure durable peace and justice,” she said.
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