The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Hopolang Phororo, says the UN will continue to implement its partnership framework to align with Namibia's 6th National Development Plan.
This will particularly focus on economic transformation, social transformation, good governance, and environmental sustainability.
Phororo was speaking during a courtesy visit to Vice President Nangolo Mbumba.
The UN Resident Coordinator highlighted that there are existing joint initiatives under the particular pillars aimed at leveraging various capacities, available resources, and expertise.
Pressing issues such as youth unemployment, she says, continue to be a thorn in the flesh for Namibia and the African continent at large.
Phororo has thus reassured Mbumba of the UN's support to assist Namibia's efforts in addressing youth unemployment and other social challenges such as gender-based violence, improved health, and education for sustainable development.
"I don't think the government is going to solve these issues on its own because the government just provides an enabling environment, but we are really looking at the private sector and how they can really engage in these issues as well. The President has done a lot of work with green hydrogen to see the potential that can come out of that, as well as oil and gas. We are also saying how young people can be engaged in these new developments as well, and how we can also share with Namibia."
Phororo also raised concerns about the slow implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Vice President Nangolo Mbumba noted that the UN leadership is preoccupied with major issues such as peace and conflict around the world.
This, the VP says, has impacted the SDG's effective implementation.
He welcomed Phororo's signal for advice on best practises for socio-economic development.
"Health is important, education is important, but development can be slow. You and I, who have the responsibility, better do our work accordingly, coordinate and advise one another, and make sure that those who need our help get it. We will always try to help those within our borders, no matter their nationality or religion. But we also need international cooperation. Borders must be controlled wherever we are in our respective places."