The First Ladies of Namibia and the US, Monica Geingos and Jill Biden, have joined forces to inspire and empower young people to take on leadership roles and embrace democracy.

Their message was clear: the future belongs to the youth, and they must be prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

Speaking at a youth empowerment forum at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Windhoek, the two First Ladies urged young people to break free from the constraints that hold them back and to embrace a commitment to excel in all areas of life.

"Sometimes it could be you, it could be your friends, it could be the quality of education, access to healthcare, or social economic issues; whatever it could be, alcohol abuse or substance abuse, whatever is holding you back, you do deserve to be free of that," said Geingos.

Organized under the auspices of the office of Namibia's First Lady in collaboration with the US Embassy in Namibia, the event brought together students from different schools and institutions, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage with two of the world's most powerful women.

On an official visit to Namibia, Jill Biden stressed the importance of young people in safeguarding democracy.

She reminded the audience that young people are the keepers of democracy and urged them to protect the legacy established by their forbearers.

"I'm here today because you are the keepers of democracy. As the first generation born in a free Namibia, the legacy that your parents and grandparents established is now yours."

The American First Lady called for the world to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, particularly women and girls, who are too often silenced and ignored.

She cautioned young people to support leaders who are willing to listen to their concerns and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Namibia's First Lady, Monica Geingos, echoed these sentiments, encouraging young people to participate in opportunities that will prepare them for leadership positions.

She emphasized the importance of commitment and the drive to always be better. 

"We are here because we married men who became presidents, but when young girls come to me and say, FLON, I just want to be just like you; I want to become a first lady, I tell them no, you must want to become a president."

The message from the two women was clear: young people are the future, and they must be prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead.