President Hage Geingob has departed for New York, United States, to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to address the Assembly next Wednesday.

Our news team caught up with Press Secretary Dr. Alfredo Hengari at the Hosea Kutako International Airport shortly before Dr. Geingob's departure.

"Namibia will participate in this session knowing too well that progress towards sustainable development goals has been fairly slow. It is in that vein that this Assembly will provide an opportunity for Namibia to add its voice towards the acceleration of these efforts."

During the one-week-long official visit, Dr. Geingob has also been invited to several high-level meetings.

"At the invitation of the Director General of the International Labour Organisation, as a leader of one of the countries with the most advanced social protection systems in Africa, President Geingob will speak at the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. On Monday, President Geingob will participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where he will deliver a statement".

He will also participate at the UN Climate Ambition Summit at the invitation of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The summit aims to accelerate action in the fight against climate change.

Dr. Geingob will also participate in the leaders' reception, which will be hosted by US President Joe Biden.