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 assume the role of the second most senior official at the OPCW, an organization tasked with implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention and managing international efforts to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons. The ministry highlighted that the appointment is a significant honor for Namibia, showcasing the international community's confidence in the country's expertise and commitment to global peace and disarmament.Kaapanda-Girnus brings over 17 years of experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international law to her new position. She previously served as Namibia's ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and as Head of Mission to the European Union from January 2 021 until September 2025. During this time, she was also Namibia's Permanent Representative to the OPCW, engaging in matters related to the organization's work and mandate.Before her diplomatic career, Kaapanda-Girnus lectured in public international law and human rights at the University of London. Her academic credentials include a Doctorate in International Law from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto, and first-class honors degrees in Law and Politics from the University of Adelaide, as noted by the ministry.The government reiterated Namibia's commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and its support for the OPCW in upholding the global norm against chemical weapons, thereby promoting international peace and security.