President Nandi-Ndaitwah delivers maiden UN General Assembly speech, calls for multilateralism and African representation

New York, 24 September 2025 – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered her first address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring Namibia’s commitment to peace, sustainable development, and global cooperation.

As the country’s first female President, Nandi-Ndaitwah used the occasion to reflect on the United Nations’ founding principles, Namibia’s own independence journey, and the urgent need for reforms to give Africa a stronger voice on the world stage.

She spoke about Namibia’s development priorities under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation, and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.” The main sectors outlined include agriculture, education, youth empowerment, health services, housing, energy, and creative industries, with support from mining, logistics, and tourism.

The President announced that registration and tuition fees at public universities and vocational training centres will be abolished, while a National Youth Fund has been launched to support entrepreneurship. She also pointed to Namibia’s push for renewable energy development, including presenting the country’s Energy Compact at the Africa Energy Forum.

On global affairs, Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated Namibia’s call for an end to the United States embargo on Cuba and reaffirmed the country’s support for peace efforts in Africa, including in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. She called the failure to hold a referendum on Western Sahara “an injustice” and urged the UN Security Council to act.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Ezuwini Consensus, she pressed for urgent reform of the Security Council to address what she described as a “historical injustice to Africa.”

Reflecting on her own political journey since 1974, Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged women and girls to take up leadership roles, declaring: “Your voice matters. Your vision is needed.”

This speech marks a historic moment, as Nandi-Ndaitwah became the country’s first woman President in March 2025 after decades of service in government, including roles in women’s affairs, broadcasting, environment, tourism, and international relations.

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