Windhoek: The Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced the appointment of Ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus as the Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), effective from 25 July 2026.According to Namibia Press Agency, Kaapanda-Girnus will hold the position of the second most senior official within the OPCW. The organisation is tasked with implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention and supervising international efforts to eradicate chemical weapons permanently and verifiably.The ministry emphasized that a Namibian's appointment to such a senior position is a significant honor for the country, indicating the international community's confidence in Namibia's expertise and dedication to global peace and disarmament. This appointment underscores Namibia's reputation as a reliable and principled member of the global community.Kaapanda-Girnus brings over 17 years of diplomacy, foreign policy, and international law experience to her new role . From January 2021 to September 2025, she served as Namibia's ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and as Head of Mission to the European Union. Additionally, she was Namibia's Permanent Representative to the OPCW during this period, handling matters related to the organisation's mission and responsibilities.Before her diplomatic career, Kaapanda-Girnus taught public international law and human rights at the University of London. She possesses a Doctorate in International Law from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto, and first-class honours degrees in Law and Politics from the University of Adelaide.The government reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention, emphasizing its continuous support for the OPCW in its mission to uphold the global standard against chemical weapons and promote international peace and security.