YouSaid · the spoken record

Hage Geingob

lines on the record: 134
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 9
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Namibia is therefore pleased by the decision of the General Assembly to submit to the International Court of Justice a request for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self- determination. The challenges we face today are not insurmountable. By holding hands and by renewing our commitment to multilateralism, we can reverse the worst effects of the unprecedented global challenges of global warming, global inequality, pandemics and conflicts. By holding hands, we have it within us to act now and build the world that we want. In that world, no one should feel left out.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The United Nations Charter remains an important source of inspiration, reflecting the commonly agreed values of diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. We regard the Charter-enshrined right to self-determination for all peoples as essential. That rings true for the people of Western Sahara. While our right to self- determination has been upheld, the people of Western Sahara continue to remain under occupation. We recall how Morocco supported our right to self-determination, and we now call on it to do the same for the people of Western Sahara. Similarly, the people of Palestine yearn to transition from the inhumane conditions of oppressive rule.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I always say that we do not make peace with our friends; we make peace with our enemies. Punitive measures imposed for more than half a century on the Republic of Cuba have brought untold hardships that have disenfranchised the Cuban people. The embargo against the Cuban people remains unjust, and it must therefore be lifted. Namibia appeals to the United States of America to remove the Republic of Cuba from the list of State sponsors of terrorism, as there is no evidence to support such a classification. Selective punitive measures against Zimbabwe and Venezuela must also be lifted, as those measures constitute the greatest obstacle to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“That is why Namibia is now developing green shipping corridors with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero-Carbon Shipping as we look to map and fund the development of carbon-neutral maritime value chains through the production, transportation, storage and consumption of clean fuels and carbon-free products made in Namibia and traded with the world. We are working with Compagnie Maritime Beige, a Belgian shipping company, on plans to build a clean ammonia-bunkering facility in Walvis Bay. at a cost of more than €2.2 billion, in partnership with Namibia’s own Olthaver and List Group. On 28 September this year, that partnership — named Cleanergy — is expected to reveal plans to construct its first Namibian green hydrogen multimodal service station.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“One such pioneering example is Project Oshivela by Uy Iron, which plans to use Namibian-produced green hydrogen to deliver the first industrial production of iron at net-zero emissions. During the first phase of the project in 2024. an annual output of 15.000 tons of direct reduced iron is planned. Project Oshivela will be one of the biggest primary production sites of green iron worldwide and is expected to sequestrate 27.000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year — equivalent to 50 per cent of the carbon dioxide emissions of Namibia’s entire power industry today. In order to transport the clean molecules to their final destination, shipping — which is yet another hard- to-abate sector — will also need to deploy innovative solutions.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“One year later in Glasgow. Scotland, on the margins of COP 26. we announced the development of large-scale green hydrogen projects that would provide the world with the clean molecules needed to decarbonize hard- to-abate sectors. Today we have more than five such projects under development and are looking to deploy more than $20 billion in order to develop our world-class renewable energy potential to give our future generations a fighting chance against a warming planet. Developing a new synthetic fuels industry in Namibia is not just an opportunity to fight climate change; indeed, it also offers an unparalleled opportunity for green industrialization. Namibia has now attracted new industries that are looking to make use of the cheap clean electricity and molecules to be produced in Namibia.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As we march towards the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for the final global stocktake, we are acutely aware that the energy transition is not only a necessity in combating climate change but also an opportunity for economic development. Consistent with their pledges made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris in 2015. developed nations must provide financial and technological support to enable developing countries to shift to cleaner energy sources without hampering development. Three years ago. during the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly. Namibia boldly announced its intention to change its economic structure by leveraging innovative financial tools to mobilize sustainable climate financing in order to combat climate change.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Rapid advances in technology, quantum computing and artificial intelligence are transforming the global landscape, offering unprecedented challenges and opportunities for growth and development. Therefore, developing countries should not be left behind in the digital revolution. Access to technology can bridge gaps in education, health care and economic development, propelling nations towards progress. We must navigate technological challenges and harness opportunities by fostering an environment that is conducive to technology transfer, technology adoption, skills development and collaboration.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In addition to having 44 per cent female representation in Parliament, we have women in the positions of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The current Deputy Prime Minister has been selected by the ruling party to be a candidate for the presidency. Very soon after I leave the Office of President in one year’s time, she may be the President to come and stand here. Two thirds of our key banking institutions are headed by women. In the same vein, we believe in promoting inclusive and effective governance that ensures that our young people are integrated into decision-making structures to play their part in the future they have helped to shape.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“we must end vaccine apartheid. We need to ensure equitable access to health products. We need stronger commitments from wealthy nations on technology transfer, the removal of intellectual property barriers, and investments in manufacturing in order to enable vaccine production in the global South. I always say that inclusivity spells harmony and exclusivity spells conflict. The continued advocacy for gender equality is core in our collective journey towards a just and inclusive world. Therefore, advocating for gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also an essential step towards unlocking innovation, diversity and social cohesion. We are indeed proud to be ranked eighth in the world by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 for progress in closing the gender gap.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Namibia also welcomes UN 2.0 and the Quintet of Change, aimed at providing the United Nations family with cutting- edge capabilities in data, digital, innovation, foresight and expertise in order to deliver better and effective Member State support to accelerate development. The health of a nation is the bedrock for all development activities. Today the General Assembly will adopt a political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Pandemics have long been formidable adversaries that disproportionately wreak havoc on the socioeconomic fabric of developing countries. Those crises go beyond their immediate health implications, unravelling years of development progress, straining health-care systems and exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities. We need to change the status quo. To do so.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Taking cognizance of the interconnectedness between all the goals and targets, we should accelerate investment in health care, renewable energy, education, clean water and sanitation. The terrifying gap between the wealthy and the marginalized is not just a moral concern but also a threat to political stability and harmony. We are therefore duty-bound to create an environment in which prosperity is shared and inclusive. In our collective pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Namibia looks forward with hope and optimism to the Summit of the Future, to be held next year, as an opportunity to prioritize meaningful reforms that can reinvigorate the global goals in order to give impetus to the broader system-wide United Nations reform agenda.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
““Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”, is fitting. With the onset of the coronavirus disease, the number of people living in extreme poverty rose for the first time in a generation. That demonstrates the fact that, at the midpoint to the global Goals, we face the stark reality that we will miss our Goals and targets. The seventy-eighth session serves as a clarion call to reset and work in the true spirit of partnership for better results on the ground. Indeed, the world is in a state of flux, and progress is uneven.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Namibia congratulates the President on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session. Allow me to use this opportunity to pledge to him the commitment of Namibia to supporting the priorities he has set out. namely, peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability. Namibia would also like to thank his predecessor. Mr. Csaba Korosi. for steering with diligence the work of the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly. Let me state that Namibia agrees with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who a few months ago said. “Unless we act now. the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been”. Therefore, the theme of the current session.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As a beneficiary of successful multilateral efforts, we hold in high regard the convening power of the General Assembly and recommit to working with fellow Member States to change the world for the better.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The fund is a demonstration of our commitment to fiscal prudence and sustainable resource management for current and future generations. In conclusion, today, on 21 September, we are convened in this Hall on the International Day of Peace to discuss the theme “End racism. Build peace”. Peace is a wonderful gift, but it is a fragile one if it is not handled properly. Peace is more than the absence of war; it is about inclusivity and the development of all nations. Our United Nations, as the premier guarantor of multilateralism, is our best bet for ensuring a peaceful and prosperous humankind. Namibia will continue to place a high premium on the noble aspirations of the United Nations as a beacon of hope and equality for all nations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That is an example of what is possible when we pull together in the same direction. Our ambitions are necessary not only to mitigate the ravaging impacts of climate change but also as a critical component of our post-pandemic economic recovery. Therefore, Namibia remains ready to work with the international community to ensure the most optimal utilization of its natural resources to combat climate change. A just energy transition is about providing fair opportunities for developing nations to sustainably access the natural endowments at their disposal. Namibia recently discovered promising deposits of hydrocarbons and is exploring significant deposits of rare Earth metals. As part of our goal to ensure the sustainable utilization of our natural resources, I recently launched the Welwitschia Fund, our nation’s sovereign wealth fund.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We are experiencing unprecedented impacts of climate change, including severe droughts and ravaging field fires. Time is a luxury we do not have. We have to act decisively to reduce carbon emissions as our contribution to the preservation of our planet and people. Namibia, like many developing countries, remains vulnerable to the asymmetrical impacts of climate change. Therefore, at the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Namibia plans to announce major developments in its ambitions to decarbonize global hard-to-abate sectors through the production of green hydrogen. Furthermore, the first hydrogen-to-power project in Africa is expected to be operational by 2024 in the town of Swakopmund, Namibia.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“If we are talking about building peace in the world, how can a country be sanctioned for such a long time? Children who are born there do not know any other reality except one in which sanctions are imposed. Please, it is time that the sons and daughters of Cuba be given their right to a decent life, free from an embargo that denies them their right to develop their own country. The sanctions should be ended now. We also call for the lifting of sanctions against the Republic of Zimbabwe. Why are sanctions in place against a country that is making progress at all levels? President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe have made laudable progress and reforms, which should be given a chance to succeed without the weight of sanctions. The health of our planet is in serious jeopardy. Our home is on fire.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The continued injustices meted out against the people of Palestine are a reminder of the urgent need to start implementing the two-State solution as the only viable alternative that can end inequality and bring peace to the peoples of both Palestine and Israel and indeed the region as a whole. In the same vein, the lack of progress in implementing United Nations resolutions to resolve the question of Western Sahara should be something for which we all feel collectively ashamed. Namibia pledges unwavering solidarity for nations that continue to bear the heavy burden of sanctions. Namibia reiterates its long-standing call for the lifting of the unjust embargo against Cuba. I met a 50-year-old Cuban man who has not known anything but sanctions. Since he was born, sanctions were in place. How long will that be continued?”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In that vein, I have commenced a process of dialogue with the leaders of Eswatini, Lesotho and Mozambique in order to ensure the successful implementation of SADC decisions so that peace and stability may prevail in our region. I always say that inclusivity spells harmony and exclusivity spells conflict. Africa is a continent of 1.2 billion citizens, and the exclusion of Africa from the Security Council is an injustice. As long as the Council fails to reflect current global realities in its stature and composition, it will not be able to adequately address global concerns. We therefore reiterate our call for the reform of the Security Council, in line with the Common African Position. Self-determination is a human right.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Namibia, as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, continues to demonstrate its commitment to regional and continental stability by advocating the advancement of infrastructure for peace, democracy and the protection of human rights. In that regard, as the new Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, I call for the holding of peaceful general elections in the Kingdom of Lesotho on 7 October. SADC is also seized with developments in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Mozambique.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Over the past few months, we have witnessed stark geopolitical tensions, a reminder of the fragility of our world order. Threats to peace and security come at great cost to the men, women and children trapped in such situations. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is now in its seventh month, with serious consequences for food and energy supply chains. Namibia believes that dialogue is the condition sine qua non for the peaceful resolution of any conflict. The United Nations was created for the maintenance of peace and security and should lead a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The formula does not take into account the vast income disparities between the wealthy whites and the poor blacks, which is a consequence of 100 years of colonialism and apartheid occupation. However, I am pleased to hear that a number of developing and developed countries are in agreement on the unfairness of that classification, which denies countries such as Namibia access to soft loans and grants, which are necessary to fight inequality and lift many out of poverty. The motto for the seventy-seventh session, “Solutions through solidarity, sustainability and science”, calls on us to deal with the issues that affect us all. Therefore, I am confident that the unfair classification of countries such as Namibia as upper- middle-income countries will enjoy priority attention.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The strategy will prioritize education reform to close the fourth industrial revolution skills gap, as well as cybersecurity and the expansion of the information and communications technology infrastructure and services. Global debt is at an unprecedented level and interest rates are rising. That reality limits our fiscal space. As we talk about our collective aspirations, we should remain acutely aware of the vulnerabilities facing developing countries. Namibia’s classification as an upper-middle-income country presents challenges with regard to mobilizing resources to finance our development goals. As I said, taking our GDP and dividing it by our small population, thereby deriving a high per capita income, is without doubt a flawed formula that requires urgent consideration.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Furthermore, we are proud of the recent landing of the Google Equiano sub-sea cable, which will figure largely in changing Namibia’s digital transformation landscape and narrowing its digital divide, in line with our commitment to leveraging the fourth industrial revolution. In Namibia, we have set up a fourth industrial revolution task force, which recently made recommendations on how Namibia can strengthen domestic capabilities to derive optimal gains from the fourth industrial revolution. In line with the recommendations of the task force, the Government is currently developing a consolidated national fourth industrial revolution strategy to provide overarching direction and multisectoral planning.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Education is a sector that Namibia has consistently prioritized through its allocation of resources, both human and financial, and its consistent prioritization of policy development. In the context of the recently concluded Transformation of Education Summit, Namibia commits to transformative leadership, ensuring access to inclusive digital technologies and developing a strategy for innovative financing and resource mobilization. In Namibia, the education sector receives the largest share of budgetary support, equivalent to 8 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and almost a quarter of the total national budget. The Namibian Government offers free primary and secondary education, which demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing and expanding access to education for all.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“At this juncture I would like to thank the Secretary- General for his comprehensive report on Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), which makes clear recommendations for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all existing global agreements through multilateralism, with the United Nations at the centre of our efforts. I commend the Secretary-General for his visionary leadership in proposing that we should meet in a summit of the future to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that await current and future generations. Namibia supports the convening of that important summit at the earliest opportunity. Over the past few months, it has been encouraging to see concerted efforts to train a spotlight on transforming education and advancing SDG 4.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“There is a real possibility that the next candidate of the SWAPO party for the national presidential elections will be a woman or a young man from the generation that was never in exile. The presence of women in the line of succession is a demonstration of the strides we have made in gender equality, with women’s representation at 40 per cent in the National Assembly. Moreover, 90 per cent of our banks are headed by women. Namibia is a child of international solidarity, midwifed by the United Nations. We therefore believe firmly in solidarity and partnership as critical enablers of our development aspirations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Given those advances in effective governance, we are optimistic in our quest to deal with the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment and poverty. Our impact plan, the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, which is accelerating the implementation of our national development plans, is fast-tracking our efforts towards our Vision 2030. Since my term of office will end on 20 March 2025 and we are a nation with a Constitution that limits the Head of State to two terms, we have set in motion the process for an orderly succession to continue with our peaceful development. The ruling party, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), which I lead, is currently conducting primaries.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Namibia congratulates Mr. Csaba Korosi on his election as President of the Assembly at its seventy-seventh session. He can be assured of Namibia’s full support as he provides leadership during his tenure. I would also like to express our appreciation to his predecessor Mr. Abdulla Shahid for his sterling stewardship as President of the Assembly at its seventy- sixth session. Since attaining our political independence 32 years ago, we are proud of the work we have undertaken towards the second phase of our struggle for economic independence. During this period we have built a strong foundation for our governance architecture with an emphasis on strengthening processes, systems and institutions.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Indeed, through unity, we will revitalize the United Nations, transforming it into a bastion of global democracy that will save the world from the scourge of war and reaffirm faith in the fundamental human rights, dignity and worth of each and every human being on this planet. I always say, one Namibia, one nation. I say one Africa, one continent. I say one world, one universe.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Global peace, human dignity and the future of our global village are at stake. As we meet in this global parliament of humanity, we are called on by the citizens of our world to craft a collective way forward that will ensure that we recover from the devastation of COVID-19 and chart a way forward towards a brighter future. Although the task may seem daunting, through unity of purpose we will prevail. For where there is unity, there is the hope of overcoming COVID-19. Where there is unity, people can return to rebuilding sustainably. Where there is unity, we can respond to the needs of the planet and respect the rights of all.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We therefore continue to advocate for greater gender equality around the world and have set ourselves the challenge of leading by example in our policies, programmes and actions. We also take cognizance of the fact that our youth are the backbone of the global village and custodians of the keys to humankind’s future. Namibia therefore remains committed to supporting the development of our young people and promoting greater youth participation in all areas of society, since they have a critical role to play in promoting global peace and development. In illustration of our commitment to youth empowerment, my delegation includes two young ladies under age 30 — one of whom is only 25 years old — who are both deputy ministers. They, together with their peers, are the future. We are facing one of the most critical periods in human history.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We call on President Biden — who was an invaluable member of President Obama’s Administration, which sought a rapprochement between Washington and Havana — to rekindle the spirit of respect and peace between the United States and Cuba that President Obama pursued. As a member of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government, Namibia is committed to reform of the Security Council. We therefore call on all countries to support that reform in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. As we continue to build back better, we have a collective responsibility to ensure the participation of women at all levels of governance and economic activity as a symbol of freedom and equality in society. Namibia believes that women’s participation and representation is central to equitable and sustainable development.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Namibia welcomes the Secretary- General’s appointment of Mr. Alexander Ivanko as his Special Representative for Western Sahara. We hope he will devote his full attention to the matter to enable the people of Western Sahara to have the opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination without further delay. In the same vein, in accordance with resolutions unanimously adopted by the General Assembly, we call for an end to the United States’ economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. The people of Cuba deserve to pursue their development aspirations and attain economic freedom.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In that regard, we remain committed to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which embodies our firm determination as the international community to rid the world of the scourges of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance at the national, regional and international levels. The question of Palestine, now in its seventy-third year since the Nakba, remains unresolved. On that crucial issue, Namibia wishes to amplify the Secretary- General’s statement, which said explicitly that the leaders on both sides should resume a meaningful dialogue, recognizing a two-State solution as the only pathway to a just and comprehensive peace. Similarly, after nearly 50 years the people of Western Sahara are still waiting to exercise their right to freedom and independence.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The second were caught up in the Cold War confusion, and the third are those now in power who have come through regular elections and abide by term limits. But despite the fact that we have recently had a setback in two countries, unlike in the past, when others would tell Africans what to do, it has been Africans — in the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union — who have made decisions about this, ostracizing such leaders and demanding constitutional order. That is now the new Africa that we believe in, a new Africa that believes in constitutional order. Namibia stands firm in its belief that there is no room for discrimination of any kind in this world.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Additionally, Namibia has made progress in incubating renewable energy assets in the form of green hydrogen and ammonia as part of its energy order, in order to enable us to act in the best interests of our planet and its citizens. Africa has come a long way from the days of the first wave of African leaders who paved the way towards independence. They were extraordinary personalities who forced us to fight for our independence. That first wave was followed by a second wave who were caught up in Cold War confusion, one-party States and military coups. Following the period of global conflict that was manifested in the form of the Cold War, a third wave of African leaders has ushered in an era defined by democratic elections and term limits. The first wave of African leaders were our founding fathers.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“COVID-19 has affected poorer countries more acutely and unevenly. Faced with high levels of debt and no access to finance, developing countries are struggling to mitigate the severe effects of the crisis. Namibia, however, aims to deploy innovative approaches to ensure sustainable economic development in this volatile period of pandemic and climate change. Given our renewable resources such as solar and wind power, as well as the ocean, Namibia has decided to prioritize the development of green and blue economies. We are also well positioned through our recent membership in the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy to design and champion a sustainable blue economy, which will grow our economic base and create much- needed jobs while also tackling climate change.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The global efforts to develop vaccines have been a scientific victory and a testament to human ingenuity. In just under a year the unexpected has happened. Several different vaccines have been tested and produced to be delivered to millions around the world. Unfortunately, the global roll-out of the vaccines has not been impervious to the scourge of inequality. Vaccine apartheid has resulted in significant disparities in terms of the roll-out and availability of vaccines, with many people in developing countries left out. It is a pity that we have a situation where in some countries citizens are at the stage of receiving booster shots while in others many are still waiting to receive their first doses of vaccine. Let us bear in mind that no one is safe unless we are all safe.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Namibia joins other Member States in congratulating the President on his election to lead the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session, convened under the theme “Building resilience through hope — to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalize the United Nations”. We would also like to commend Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his profound and moving statement (see A/76/PV.3) highlighting the many challenges the world is facing while imploring global leaders to act now to solve those problems. We have heard his clarion call loud and clear. For the second year in a row, the world finds itself engulfed by the dark cloud of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which continues to claim thousands of lives daily.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“At this critical time, when we are faced with a multitude of challenges that threaten our future, we look upon this great organisation to once again, provide the definitive answers to our problems. Therefore, let us embrace one another and pull together in the spirit of multilateralism, in the interest of defeating Covid-19, in the interest of achieving the SDGs and in the interest of safeguarding global peace and the human dignity of every man, woman and child in the world. I thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Therefore, the continued sanctions undermine these efforts to develop the people of Zimbabwe. Mr. President, Namibia reiterates her deep concern over the continuation of the extraterritorial economic, financial and commercial embargo imposed on the people of Cuba. We continue to express our support for the Government and people of Cuba and call for the unconditional lifting of the embargo, and for respect of the sovereignty of Cuba. In the spirit of creating a more just, peaceful and caring world in which we foster peaceful and harmonious coexistence amongst all nations, Namibia looks forward to the day when relations between the United States of America and Cuba will be restored fully. For the past 75 years, the United Nations has distinguished itself as a champion for equality and unity.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Despite the political and diplomatic setbacks, in particular continued threats of annexation of Palestinian territory, we remain hopeful for a fair and comprehensive peace solution that will guarantee the rights of all Palestinian peoples and ensure their return to their homes, while safeguarding peace and security to the Israeli people as well. As the world combats the COVID-19 pandemic, some Member States face more obstacles in combating this virus than others, including those which have sanctions imposed on them. In support of the pursuit of economic development, unity and prosperity for the sister country of Zimbabwe, I once again call on the lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been pursuing reforms that will enable the people of Zimbabwe to get on a path of sustainable development and peace.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, The 17 interconnected Sustainable Development Goals and their promise to leave no one behind by 2030, ring hollow for the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara, who still remain under occupation. They are left behind. As a nation that has experienced the outpouring of international solidarity during the dark days of our struggle for independence, we wish to express our continued support for the right to self-determination and freedom of the peoples of Palestine and of Western Sahara. We also hope that the search for the UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Western Sahara will be concluded very soon. Furthermore, we express our support for a settlement that will bring a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I take this opportunity to welcome and thank those who have expressed support for the Common African Position. As we prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security — a resolution which was adopted under the Namibian Presidency of the Security Council in October 2000 — we must celebrate the achievements thus far, while also recognizing that many challenges still remain. I look forward to the opening of the International Women’s Peace Centre in Namibia next month. The Peace Centre is intended to become an institute of excellence for mediation and conflict prevention to support and ensure that women are given adequate tools to contribute to humanity’s future. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We commend the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Her Excellency Erna Solberg, for developing this outstanding initiative and look forward to working with Norway and the other members of the Panel, to address these challenges. Mr. President, When I addressed this august Assembly one year ago, as a member of the African Union Committee of 10 on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council, I expressed my desire to see the marking of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations as an opportunity to conclude the reform of the United Nations Security Council. Namibia reiterates that the African continent wishes to see a reformed Council, which is reflective of its Common African Position as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Environmental degradation is a persistent and growing problem and, quite literally, a deadly threat to the security of our peoples. The COVID-19 pandemic has diverted resources from Climate Change and related mitigation efforts. The people of Namibia continue to suffer major environmental disasters such as floods, drought and water scarcity. We therefore should ensure that we rededicate ourselves to commitments of the Paris Agreement. As a member of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Namibia reaffirms its commitment towards tackling the great challenges that the world’s oceans face, ranging from global warming, ocean acidification, marine pollution, including plastic pollution, and unsustainable exploitation of its living marine resources.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“While we also acknowledge the debt relief initiatives announced by the IMF, the World Bank and the G20, I encourage all our partners to facilitate their emergency lending mechanisms and accelerate technical support to even so-called Higher Middle Income Countries such as Namibia. This is vital to ensure access to social protection and basic services, sustainable economic activity, and protection of jobs and incomes. Mr. President, Namibia commends the World Health Organisation for all its targeted efforts in fighting COVID-19, including the global development of a vaccine. This vaccine, once developed, should become a global public good, accessible to all, freely and equitably. Namibia stands ready to partner in such development for the benefit of our citizens and the world at large.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)