The Namibian government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global cooperation on water governance.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, delivered the message on behalf of Minister Inge Zaamwani at the Global Water Partnership Organisation Board meeting.

Masake says the decision by the organisation to advance its global mandate from Namibia demonstrates confidence in the country's commitment to water management and international cooperation.

She says Namibia, being one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has been compelled to embrace innovation, cooperation and long-term planning in managing its limited water resources and emphasised that achieving water security requires collective action.

"Namibia is a country that understands perhaps more than many the true value of water. Our geography, our climate and our environmental reality have taught us that water is not merely a central convenience. It is central to human dignity, food security, economic transformation, environmental sustainability, regional peace and national resilience."

Board Chairperson of the Global Water Partnership Board Pablo Bereciartua says Namibia can play a leading role in shaping the global water agenda.

He also says the organisation is working to launch a global platform for water investment from Namibia, with the goal of mobilising nearly US$50 billion by 2030 to support water projects around the world.

"We are convinced that that is only possible when you have the political agreements and partnerships with key players and the strong commitment that we are seeing through your country."

UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo described the gathering as a demonstration of the country's commitment to placing water at the heart of sustainable development, climate resilience and human dignity.

She stressed that water security must remain at the centre of sustainable development efforts as the world remains off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Six by 2030.

"The UN family stands firmly alongside the government of Namibia in advancing the sustainable management of water resources through three core contributions. First, we support evidence-based and integrated water resources management, including policy implementation, institutional coordination, and transboundary cooperation, ensuring that water governance is grounded in data, science, and long-term sustainability."