United Nations Namibia

When communities work together, Namibia thrives.
The project is putting decent jobs & stronger social protection at the heart of our national development agenda.

Global Water Partnership Organisation Board Meeting | Windhoek 🇳🇦

Namibia welcomed the inaugural Board Meeting of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), marking the establishment of the organisation's headquarters in Windhoek and reinforcing the country's role as a hub for global cooperation on water security, climate resilience and sustainable development.

Welcoming the Board, Deputy Minister Hon. Ruthy Masake described hosting the organisation as both an honour and a responsibility, reaffirming Namibia's commitment to water security and international cooperation.

UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo reminded participants that "water is not just a resource – it is life itself," underscoring the importance of placing water at the centre of sustainable development and accelerating progress on SDG 6.

Together, the Government of Namibia, GWPO and the United Nations are advancing a more water-secure future for all.

💡 Did you know?
Namibia 🇳🇦 is a Pathfinder Country working with partners to strengthen employment opportunities & expand systems, supporting the nation's broader vision for inclusive growth.

UN4U and SDG Educational Outreach Programme | UN House, Windhoek 🇳🇦

What happens when 140 young minds come together to talk about the future?

Yesterday, learners and teachers from A. I. Steenkamp Primary School, Bet-El Primary School, Elim Primary School, Goreangab Junior Secondary School, Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School and Windhoek International School joined the United Nations in Namibia for an interactive learning experience on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Pact for the Future and the work of the UN.

The discussions were inspiring.

💬 "I want to study medicine because there are a lot of sick people who need help."

💬 "I want to stop pollution."

💬 "I learned that we can all make a difference even when we are small."

From future doctors, teachers and engineers to environmental champions and entrepreneurs, learners shared their hopes for a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable Namibia.

The Resident Coordinator reminded learners:

💬 "Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your questions matter. Your actions matter."

And perhaps the most powerful message of the day:

💬 "The future of Namibia is right here in this room. It is you."

Learners explored the 17 SDGs, discussed climate action, gender equality, quality education, decent work and innovation, and reflected on what it means to leave no one behind.

They also learned how the United Nations works with Government, communities and partners to support education, health, climate resilience, youth empowerment and opportunities for young people across Namibia.

The message was clear: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are already part of the solution today.

A special thank you to the learners, teachers and school leadership for making this outreach such a success. Your curiosity, creativity and commitment give us hope for the future.

💡 Did you know?
As 🇳🇦UNRC,

leads the UN's support for Namibia's nationally driven development agenda, coordinating partners to strengthen employment pathways, expand & unlock opportunities for all Namibians. 🤝

Through the project, Namibia 🇳🇦 is building a future of & stronger together.
Government, the UN & partners are working as one to create jobs, expand coverage & drive inclusive growth.

Community voices are central to Namibia’s green industrial transition.

During a dialogue in Lüderitz led by UN Resident Coordinator , alongside WFP Country Director, Simon Denhere and FAO Acting Representative, Ferdinand Mwapopi, residents, local stakeholders and community representatives reflected on the opportunities and concerns linked to Namibia’s growing green hydrogen economy.

Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that large-scale investment translates into visible local benefits through jobs, skills development, SME participation and inclusive access to opportunity.

A strong message emerged throughout the engagement: Namibia’s green transition must not leave communities behind. Youth, women, persons with disabilities and local businesses must be active participants in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

Driving Inclusion in Namibia’s Green Transition 🌍⚡

UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo, with WFP’s Simon Denhere and FAO’s Ferdinand Mwapopi, met with Hyphen to discuss Namibia’s landmark green hydrogen project and its potential to drive truly inclusive development.

The core priority is clear: Namibia’s green transition must benefit people on the ground—creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and uplifting communities in underserved regions.

With an estimated 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 operational roles on the horizon, this project is a massive opportunity to empower youth and build long-term human capital. 📊

To unlock this potential, the dialogue highlighted the critical need for:
🔹 Strengthening local skills and training pipelines
🔹 Expanding opportunities for local SMEs
🔹 Bridging regional inequalities in access to jobs
🔹 Ensuring a people-centered approach that leaves no one behind

Through ongoing dialogue and partnership, the UN remains committed to supporting sustainable, equitable development pathways for all Namibians.

🇳🇦

Can multi-million-dollar green industrialization directly uplift an under-resourced rural community? 🌍✨

Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo, alongside Acting FAO Representative Ferdinard Mwapopi, recently concluded a targeted field mission to the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village in the Erongo Region to explore exactly that.

Dâures is proving to be far more than an energy pilot programme. It is a fully integrated, net-zero ecosystem where green hydrogen production directly connects to future low-carbon fertilizer production, climate-smart agriculture, water innovation, and sustainable local livelihoods.

A unique component of this circular ecosystem is the Dâures Net Zero Tourism Lodge & Campsite. Operating entirely off-grid, this eco-facility seamlessly blends sustainable tourism with industrial innovation.

It provides eco-friendly accommodation for visiting international research students, green energy delegates, and eco-travelers—proving that green industrial spaces can successfully coexist with nature-inspired hospitality while creating diversified local jobs.

During the visit, the delegation observed local capacity in action, with Namibian technicians carrying out key plant installations—from welding and piping to complex electrical cabling. The team also visited the high-tech greenhouse facility, where local youth are actively contributing to regional food security through commercial crop production. 🧑‍🌾🌱

Engagements with Senior Traditional Councillor Herman !Naruseb and the Dâures Daman Traditional Authority focused on water security, technical skills development, youth employment, and ensuring community equity remains central to the green transition. 🤝

For a just and sustainable transition under NDP6 and the UNSDCF, green investments must move vulnerable communities from spectators to active participants in Namibia’s future economy. 💪