UN must spearhead multilateralism: Geingob

WINDHOEK, Sept. 23 – “In a climate of ever increasing uncertainty and unpredictability, it is incumbent on world leaders to renew faith in multilateral-ism. The United Nations matters most, because it is at the center of the needs and desires of humanity. Therefore, it must be inclusive by including Africa at the highest decision-making level. By failing to do this, the UN stands at risk of losing its respectability. The only sure way to restore trust in the UN will be for the Security Council to become more inclusive.” These were the words Dr Hage Geingob said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week.

Namibia can testify to the importance of multilateral-ism as “Namibia is a Child of International Solidarity, conceived by valiant patriots, delivered by Resolution 435 and midwifed by the United Nations. Today, thanks to the support of the international community, we are an independent Nation, founded upon the principles of Democracy, Unity, Stability, Peace and the Rule of Law, said Geingob.

Geingob said that people centered development should not only extend to a small part of the population, but cover all demographic components as the largest demographic component in societies are mothers, sisters and daughters are excluded from development.

He illustrated that Namibia has moved toward empowering women, and that gender equity is equally important for a stable and harmonious society.

“In this regard, a policy decision by the ruling party to introducing a 50-50 representation at all party levels has led to a significant improvement of the representation of females, to 48 percent in Namibia’s National Assembly. This is the second highest level of representation on the continent and among the top five in the world.”

Women have also been appointed in key positions in the Executive, namely: “The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minster, who is also the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; The Minister and Deputy Minister of Education Arts and Culture; The Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology; The Minister and Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development; and the Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration.”

Furthermore, Geingob said that the youth was a significant demographic component that was not to be neglected.

“In Namibia, we value the empowerment of the youth. Many of the so-called older guard, have been groomed and well prepared in the structures of the ruling party and Government before they were assigned higher responsibilities. This practice continues with a number of deputy ministers that are youthful, while our Attorney General is one of the youngest on the continent. Very soon, the last crop of the “Tanganyika Group” including myself will make way for the new breed,” he said. – NDN Staffer