Research is most useful when it informs decisions that help address people's challenges.

These were the words of the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, during the UNESCO Chairs in Namibia and the World Science Day celebration in Windhoek.

Executive Director for Formal Education, Edda Bohn, in a speech read on her behalf, pointed out how Namibia can achieve its NDP6 goals through investment in science and technology to aid research.

“We have made progress, but poverty and unemployment remain pressing concerns. Climate change, global instability and the rising cost of living place additional pressure on households and further complicate the development challenges we face. This situation calls for sustained investment in Namibia’s scientific and technological capabilities.”

Additionally, Dr Steenkamp emphasised the importance of the University Twinning and Networking programme and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNITWIN/UNESCO) Chairs Programme in the development of Namibia's tertiary institutions.

“Through postgraduate training and interaction networks, the chairs can strengthen national expertise and bring Namibian institutions and communities to close contact with partners abroad.”

In a speech read on his behalf, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Vice Chancellor Frednard Gideon and Senior Lecturer Simeon Amunkete highlighted the importance of research conducted under the UNESCO Chairs Programme.

UNESCO established the programme in 1992 to promote cooperation and networking among universities and higher education institutions.