Windhoek: Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation during the United Nations’ (UN) 80th anniversary commemoration in Windhoek on Thursday. Speaking at the event, Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted the UN’s significant role in Namibia’s journey to independence and development, specifically referencing the pivotal role of UN Resolution 435 and the deployment of the UN Transition Assistance Group.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ashipala-Musavyi stated that ‘Namibia is a proud product of international solidarity through the United Nations.’ She emphasized Namibia’s leadership in global peace and security, including its involvement in championing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Ashipala-Musavyi also called for reform of the Security Council to better reflect global diversity and urged peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and the DRC.
UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo echoed Ashipala-Musavyi’s sentiments, describing the UN as a living promise and praising Namibia’s contributions to shaping the future of multilateralism. Phororo noted that ‘Namibia knows the value of multilateralism not in theory, but through its history and experience.’ She outlined the UN’s transformation agenda, which includes operational reforms and a shift in its role in Africa from aid brokerage to leveraging data, technical expertise, and policy advisory.
Phororo further announced four strategic priorities for Namibia under the 2025-2029 Cooperation Framework: capacity building, green transitions, partnerships and financing, and data and statistics. Both Ashipala-Musavyi and Phororo acknowledged the achievements made through UN-Namibia collaboration, including support for over 50 national policies and programs in health, education, climate action, and governance.
The event also celebrated Namibia’s role in co-facilitating the Pact for the Future and its continued advocacy for sustainable development and global peace. ‘Happy 80th birthday to the United Nations,’ Phororo concluded, thanking Namibian institutions, civil society, and youth for their contributions.