“We are meeting in a context of global tension: conflicts, displacement, economic instability, and we must seek consensus to resolve these issues,” stated Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, during the second day of debates at the United Nations General Assembly.

Youth unemployment, economic inequality, and lack of basic services are scourges that affect our society, and in my country we are working to address them, said the head of state, noting that 57% of her government is composed of women, in line with the “collective commitment to women, peace and security.”

“We have identified agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, education, and housing as critical sectors that we must promote, in line with the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030,” she stated.

“We are diversifying our energy sources, using natural resources in an environment where climate change is impacting our territory. Droughts and floods are undeniable and have a significant impact on the environment,” the Namibian president told the plenary.

Later in her address, the Namibian president said that 34 years after Resolution 690 of 1991, it is time to hold a referendum under the auspices of the UN on the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people, which is still pending.

She also called for reform of the Security Council, considering Africa as a “special and priority case” to compensate for what she called the “historical injustice” suffered by the continent.

“We ask that the economic, trade, and financial embargo against Cuba be lifted, as well as that this nation be removed from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism, in accordance with the UN Charter,” the African leader stated, also advocating for an end to the threats and sanctions against Venezuela.

The fact-finding commission on the occupied Palestinian territories has just released its findings, acknowledging that a genocide is indeed taking place in Gaza. 

In this context, Nandi-Ndaitwah called on the Security Council to work towards ending the conflict. “International law cannot be a tool in the hands of selfish interests, but rather a means to protect the most vulnerable. We reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, respect for international law, and solidarity in the face of common challenges,” she stated.

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