Namibia represents a sign of hope for human security because of its values of peace and diversity.
These sentiments were shared by the Executive Director at the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Yoichi Mine, during a public lecture at the University of Namibia.
The public lecture was themed "Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Namibia's Independence: A Japanese Perspective on Collaboration for Sustainable Human Security".
It focused on human security, a people-centred approach to identify, prevent, and mitigate risks to individual safety, livelihood, dignity, and refugees.
Therefore, Mine said Namibia's success in nation-building creates the conditions of human security and an approach that focuses on the well-being, dignity, and security of every individual.
"In this age of division and hatred, I believe Namibia represents a silver lining for human security. This is a powerful indication of the maturity of a unified nation that was born 36 years ago. I truly admire Namibia.”
Mine recalled his first visit to Namibia in 1989 and his participation in the observation of Namibia's first elections.
"At the time of the independence elections, very few people in Japan knew much about Namibia. I therefore felt a strong desire to use the opportunity of Namibia's independence to introduce your country to the Japanese people – to share Namibia’s natural beauty, its society, the diversity of its people, and its history of colonisation by Germany and South Africa.”
This year, UNAM has planned a series of lectures with global leaders to create a platform for knowledge-sharing and participation.
"A few weeks ago, we welcomed the former president of Botswana. Now we have the executive director of JAKA, and in a few weeks, another prominent guest will join us. While some of these will remain a surprise, I encourage everyone to participate in the public lecture series, which serves as a platform to exercise thought leadership. It is the duty of higher education to shape society and set the direction for our future,” UNAM Vice Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu added.