President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed confidence following her participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Head of State’s return now shifts attention to how the engagements and investment discussions held on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly will translate into concrete projects, economic opportunities and development outcomes for Namibia.

The President used the high-level gathering to advance Namibia’s priorities in economic transformation, investment, energy, critical minerals, water security and skills development.

During the General Assembly, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater international cooperation and renewed trust in the multilateral system, in line with this year’s theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

She also used engagements with international and private-sector partners to promote Namibia as an investment destination, particularly in oil and gas, green hydrogen, renewable energy, critical minerals and manufacturing.

At a US-Namibia Presidential Roundtable, the President stressed the need for investment that supports industrialisation and local value addition, rather than allowing Namibia to continue exporting its natural resources as raw materials.

Skills development was also highlighted, with the President pointing to government programmes preparing young Namibians for emerging industries, including green hydrogen, oil and gas.

Water security featured prominently in the President’s engagements, including discussions on financing water infrastructure across Africa. She highlighted Namibia’s efforts in water diversification, aquifer recharge, purification and desalination under the Sixth National Development Plan.

In her address to the General Assembly, Nandi-Ndaitwah also called for a woman to be elected as the next United Nations Secretary-General, noting that no woman has held the position since the organisation was established in 1945.