With just 12 days remaining until the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) convened a dialogue with political party leaders in Windhoek.
Themed "Faith and Civic Engagement," the event aimed to foster meaningful discussions between religious leaders and political figures, addressing pressing societal challenges and enhancing civic awareness in the lead-up to the elections.
During the event, Reverend Ngeno Nakamhela reflected on CCN's historical role during the liberation struggle, emphasizing the church's commitment to social justice.
Discussions covered a variety of topics, including economic development, youth engagement, healthcare access, and environmental stewardship.
Key questions raised included how faith-based communities and political leaders can collaborate to tackle inequality and ensure that marginalized groups have access to essential resources and opportunities.
Attendees also explored the church's role in supporting economic empowerment initiatives, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and improving education quality and access, particularly in rural areas.
The conversation further delved into enhancing affordable healthcare, addressing health crises such as mental health issues, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, and promoting civic engagement to increase voter participation, especially among young people.