UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter 2019 January—March 2019
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF OFFICE
ISSUE 37
IN THIS ISSUE Celebration of World Radio Day 2019
It is a great pleasure sharing the first issue of the UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter for the year 2019. The year 2019 marks the beginning of the second UNPAF 20192023 and the UNDS Reform. It is our wish and commitment to bring and share with you focussed information on UNESCO work in Namibia and achievements. We started the year with the cohost of the first ever Innovation Conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education Training and Innovation (MHETI) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the theme “Forging a Namibian Consensus on Innovation”. The office coordinated the celebration of the World Radio Day 2019 under the theme “Dialogue, Tolerence and Peace”, with discussions highlighting the issue of sustainability of community radios and concerns of the communities regarding dialogue among community members. During the same period the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture launched the Kopano Online Education Forum platform. Progress was made for the finalization of the Namibian ICT Policy during a workshop in Okahandja and a regional training session was successfully conducted on the Survey of Teachers in Pre-primary Education (STEPP) programme in the Khomas region. We hope to continue informing you on UNESCO activities in Namibia and we will welcome your comments. Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
Namibia’s first ever Innovation Conference
Launch of the Kopano Online Platform Page 7 Revision of Namibia ICT Policy
ARRIVAL OF NEW HEAD OF OFFICE AND REPRESENTATIVE TO NAMIBIA On 4 December 2018, Mr Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum assumed his duties as the new UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Namibia. Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum is a Comorian national and holds a degree in Statistics from the Ecole Nationale de Statistique et d'Économie Appliquée, Abidjan (Ivory Coast, 1984), a Degree in Economics from the University of Paris IX-Dauphine (France, 1985) and a Master's degree in Economics and Demography from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris (France, 1986). He also has a Master’s degree in Public Adminis ion from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) and Université Paris- Dauphine (France, 2007). He joined UNESCO in 1992 as a Young Professional and progressively assumed a number of senior functions at Headquarters (Paris) and field level, Jakarta Office (Indonesia) as well as at the UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS). In response to the disaster Page 1
ARRIVAL OF NEW HEAD OF OFFICE AND REPRESENTATIVE TO NAMIBIA
WORLD RADIO DAY 2019 COMMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION
caused by Cyclone Hayan (locally known as Yolanda) on 3 November 2013, he served as the UNESCO Head of Mission in Manila (Philippines) to coordinate and support UNESCO's engagement with the Government of the Philippines with the Humanitarian Team and with the National Team, partners and donors. Prior to his appointed to the Windhoek Office, he served as Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Mozambique from June 2014 to December 2018. He is a member of several scientific and professional associations, in particular the International Union for the Scientific Studies of Population (IUSSP) and the Union for African Population Studies (UAPS). He is fluent in French, English, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia and has solid knowledge of Spanish, Swahili and basic Arabic. During his time in Namibia, the new Head of Office is committed to championing the implementation of the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF), between the United Nations Development System in Namibia and the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN), which will be implemented from 2019 to 2023 with a focus and contribution from UNESCO for sustainable results and impact. Other areas of interest will include natural resources management, biodiversity protection, promotion of natural sites of high ecosystem value and promotion of cultural heritage.
From (L to R) EU Ambassador and UNESCO Representative alongside Deputy Director of Print Media and Chairperson of Namibia Broadcasters Network engaging audience
On 13 February 2019 at the College of the Arts (COTA) in Windhoek, Namibia joined the rest of the world in celebrating the 8th edition of World Radio day under the theme “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace”. Approximately 100 people attended the event with 11 community radio stations represented. Commercial radio stations managers also attended the celebrations. During his welcome remarks, Mr. Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, UNESCO Representative said, “Radio informs, transforms and unites us. It brings together people and communities from all backgrounds to foster positive dialogue for change. More specifically, radio is the perfect medium to counter the appeals for violence and the spread of conflict, especially in regions potentially more exposed to such realities.” “Radio has the power to bring the population together by stimulating public debate on common issues of concern. Focusing on common causes, people can rise above their differences and work together to address common concerns,” he concluded. The conclusions of the debates will be published thanks to European
Head of Office poses for a photo with his new team
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
Union grant.
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COMMEMORATION OF WORLD RADIO DAY COMMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION
UNESCO WINDHOEK OFFICE NEWSLETTER (NAMIBIA)
Communication Technology was urged to assist in either conducting trainings or facilitating trainings for radio presenters especially for community radio stations.
During discussions it was also suggested that organizations such as UNESCO and the Ministry of ICT and even the EU should be looking at radio from a different platform of funding specific campaigns and community radios need to do the same and look at programming that speaks to those specific projects.
Chairperson of Editors Forum of Namibia being interviewed by community radio reporter from Kunene Community Radio .
Prior to the main event communities across the country were engagement and vox pops were created, which highlighted some of the concerns that members of the public and radio listeners had within their communities. These concerns formed the basis of a panel discussion during the commemoration. The panel and audience looked at the need for Radio to be used as a platform to advocate for civic participation and development for more peaceful and tolerant communities while celebrating humanity in its diversity.
Audience Member from Namibia Media Trust poses question to the panel members
The panel discussion consisted of the EU Ambassador to Namibia,
Key issues of monitoring and evaluation were discussed concerning
and the Deputy Director of Print Media Affairs in the Ministry of In-
community radios, highlighting the need for accountability where
formation and Communication Technology, alongside the UNESCO
funding is concerned. It was a common understanding during the
Representative to Namibia, the Chairperson of the Namibian Broad-
meeting that community radio framework should include funding,
casters Network, and a member of the Action Coalition.
sustainability and preservation of communities’ languages, culture
Discussions highlighted the importance of providing radio stations
and heritage. Stakeholders such as the Namibia Community Broad-
and listeners a platform for constructive conversations around dia-
casters Network (NCBN), the Deutsche Welle Akademie and Editors
logue, tolerance and peace. Several issues were raised during the
Forum of Namibia (EFN) being identified as key stakeholders.
panel discussions including that radio stations should create
The second segment of the commemoration saw students from Pri-
platforms and or programs for Public Service Announcements as a
mary and Secondary Schools take part by presenting the problems
means of disseminating information to the public as well as giving an
such as stereotyping and child trafficking that their generation are
open area for dialogue to take place. It was highlighted that the
faced with and the solutions that can be provided through dialogue
training on content creation and other technical skills for radio pre-
on radio. For further information contact: c.nkuziwalela@unesco.org
senters needs to be enlarged where, the Ministry of Information and
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NAMIBIA HOLDS THE FIRST NATIONAL INNOVATION CONFERENCE NATURAL SCIENCES duction sector, civil society, as well as financial institutions. The official opening of the conference on 6 February was attended by His Excellency, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia and other High level government officials, Members of Parliament, Diplomats and Members of the United Nations Country Team in Namibia. Delivering UNESCO Remarks, Mr. Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, UNESCO Representative to Namibia said that the conference forms a cornerstone of the partnership between UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Namibia in the area of Science, Technology and Inno(From L to R), Mr Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum (UNESCO Representative), Hon. Becky Ndjoze-Ojo (Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation) and Hon. Dr Itah Kandji-Muranji (Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation) pose for a picture with His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba (Vice President of the Republic of Namibia) The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (MHETI) in partnership with UNESCO and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) organized the first ever-National Innovation Conference, which took place at the Windhoek Country Club Resort in Windhoek from 6 to 8 February 2019. The conference was held under the theme “Forging a Namibian Consensus on Innovation” The main objective of the conference was to take stock of the current innovation initiatives in the country and design a contextual relevant innovation policy, strategy and implementation roadmap that will lead to global competitiveness.
vation and in Technical Vocational Education in support of the implementation of the NDP5. He said the conference was a concrete follow-up of the Policy Review of the TVET, Higher Education and Innovation in Namibia conducted in 2016 by UNESCO at the request of the Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation of Namibia. It translates also the commitment made by UNESCO at the UNESCO-African Union Ministerial Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Youth Employment, Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth, in Nairobi, Kenya in April 2012 and contributes to the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063. Dr Immolatrix Geingos, Deputy Permanent Delegate, Namibia Permanent Delegation to UNESCO delivered a Keynote presentation on the overview of the state of Namibia’s Innovation Landscape. She said
The conference was organized in the framework of a UNESCO-KOICA project which aims to enhance national capacities in management of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development by strengthening national capacity in nurturing, accelerating and stimulating innovative entrepreneurship through technological and social ventures. The ultimate objective of the programme is to facilitate the creation of knowledge-based small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and science parks by mobilizing all innovation stakeholders such as government, academia and pro-
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
High level delegates in the front row during the Conference Page 4
NAMIBIA HOLDS THE FIRST NATIONAL INNOVATION CONFERENCE NATURAL SCIENCES Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 9, “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. Through the Harambee Prosperity Plan and the creation of an innovation and entrepreneurship advancement framework, Namibia can make great strides towards attaining food security, job creation and poverty alleviation. The 3 day conference proceeded with ten sessions in which academics, local and International experts in innovation and entrepreneurship, innovators and government officials presented their expert knowledge and experiences and deliberated on different themes. Participants of the conference tour the exhibition stands during the breaks
The conference was concluded with key recommendations including the need for Namibia to identify two or three niche areas to focus on
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Namibia needs to be strengthened and emphasized the importance of building partnerships for innovation. She argued that working in silos defies the collaborative nature of innovation and called for the creation of platforms to search for and nature grassroots innovators.
(mining, tourism, marine biology, water, climate change) and build value chains around them. It was also mentioned that Namibia needs to match market/products to consumer needs and to match skills with industry demands and the need for partnerships for innovation and entrepreneurship in Namibia, within the SADC region and African and
Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Minister of
Africa in general. The conference called for the finalization of the Na-
Higher Education, Training and Innovation said in her remarks that
tional Innovation Strategy and emphasized that it is essential for Na-
the Government of the Republic of Namibia has invested in a number
mibia to take ownership of this strategic document.
of initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, while supporting small and medium enterprises. She said the initiatives include training and funding aimed at strengthening the National Innovation ecosystem.
During the closing ceremony, Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, Director of the Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building, Natural Sciences Sector at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris pledged UNESCO’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Namibia after the
In his Keynote address, His Excellency, Dr Nangolo Mbumba said that
conference. Dr Oti-Boateng said, “UNESCO will support a high-level
innovation and entrepreneurship are critical in the transformation of
multi-stakeholders capacity building workshop in STI Policy design/
any economy and necessary to enhance a country’s competitiveness.
review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation to enable Namib-
The Vice President said that the launch of the Namibia Innovation
ia to build synergy of purpose with SADC countries, provide leadership
Conference has been a much-anticipated event with great interest
and to showcase Namibia’s Innovation Ecosystem/initiative. “
from many stakeholders.
She also stated that UNESCO would leverage partnership between
His Excellency, Dr Mbumba cautioned that without an effective, well-
UNESCO-Namibia and UNESCO- Korea National Commissions for col-
functioning national innovation system, a country can neither achieve
laboration in areas such as University academic exchange, knowledge
sustainable development and economic competitiveness, nor address
sharing
country-specific challenges. He said Namibia is guided by the United
d.kasote@unesco.org
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
among
others.
For
further
information
contact:
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UNESCO AND NAMIBIA NATCOM HANDOVER GREEN SCHOOL EQUIPMENT NATURAL SCIENCES
Students Welwitschia Primary watch attentively as the first planting of seeds is about to take place.
Students at the primary school actively engage during the workshop at the school gardening equipment.
UNESCO Windhoek Office and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO (NatCom) donated gardening equipment and seeds to Welwitschia Primary School in Khorixas, Kunene Region during a oneday workshop held on 26 February 2019 to support the establishment of a green school and Implementation of the Whole School Approach under the Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The main aim of this intervention was to help the school enhance sustainability practices within the school, foster environmental education and awareness, while contributing to food security and sustainable development in the Khorixas community.
Mr Rod April the Secretary General of NatCom and Mr Dickson Kasote, a Consultant at UNESCO Windhoek Office introduced the ASPnet in Namibia and the Whole Schools Approach to ESD respectively and they were joined by Mrs Geises in handing over the gardening equipment and seeds to the school. The event ended with the setting up of the shading and preparation of six seed beds by the Mayor of Khorixas, Mr. Hendricks, UNESCO and NatCom staff, school teachers, learners and other community members who joined to witness the event. For further information contact: d.kasote@unesco.org
The one-day workshop also aimed to enhance the capacities of teachers and learners to practice environmental sustainability, to strengthen the capacity of the school in producing vegetables and other horticultural produce, raise environmental awareness among teachers and learners and enhance the capacity of the school to contribute to food security in the community. The official handover ceremony and launch of the school garden was attended by Her worship the Mayor of Khorixas Town, Mrs E. Geises, Mr Seth Hendricks, Senior Agricultural Technician, Mr Munenge, Chief Education officer- Professional Development, UNESCO and NatCom officials, teachers and learners from the school and Schoolboard members. Welwitschia Primary School is an active member of the Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) in Namibia. The project is expected to be self-sustained as the produce will be sold and funds will be available to purchase seeds and to maintain the infrastructure and UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
Above is some of the donated gardening equipment that was received by Welwitschia Primary School
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KOPANO ONLINE EDUCATION PLATFORM LAUNCH EDUCATION As Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Minister for Education, Arts and Culture launched the platform, she stated that this online learning platform for teachers is vital as it facilitates collaboration among educators. In the future, not only teachers, but also learners should also have the chance to benefit from the Kopano Online Education platform. The Kopano Education Forum was established in the framework of the UNESCO/China Funds-in-Trust project “Capacity Development for Quality Teacher Education in Namibia” as part of the component on the integration of ICTs in teaching and learning. Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Minister of Education, Arts and Culture (second from R to L) and teams of invited speakers
The first version of Kopano Online Education Forum was established in 2015. Due to continuous effort to improve the functions of the
The Kopano Online Education Platform was Launched in Windhoek on 7 March 2019 by the University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture in collaboration with UNESCO Windhoek Office. The Kopano Online Education platform was launched by Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa at Safari Hotel. The event was graced by Mr Yang Jun, Deputy Head of Mission, Political Councillor from of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Namibia; Mr Djaffar MoussaElkadhum, Head of Office & UNESCO Representative to Namibia; representatives from various institutions of high learning in Namibia, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture as well as NGOs, Unions and Media houses.
platform and make it user friendly to its users, the platform was revamped in the last quarter of 2017. Currently, the Kopano Online Education Platform has over 8352 registered users. The aim of KOPANO Online Education Forum, as a virtual community is to enhance the capacity of the educators (teachers, education officers, planners and lecturers) in Namibia. Since the Namibian educators are located in different regions and schools that are far apart, it is difficult to communicate, learn from one another, exchange information, and produce multimedia materials from richer, existing contents for use in teaching the subjects of specialisation through online platforms. Developed learning and teaching materials are uploaded on KOPANO Online Education Forum in order to enable access by all
Mr Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, gave an introduction of the UNESCOCFIT project. Dr. Ndumba Jonah Kamwanyah, Deputy Director of Academic Centres for Professional Development of UNAM did the introduction and background of Kopano. Ms. Loide Kapenda, Chief Education Officer of National Advisory Services of MoEAC shared her personal experience with Kopano. Mr Yang Jun, Deputy Head of Mission, Political Councilor from of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Namibia introduced the cooperation of Namibia and China
the educators who are registered on the platform and are members of specific groups. Interested educators are invited to register to get access and then be actors and active contributors to the national collaboration and conversation opportunities to enhance current teaching, learning and educational management practices. The main outcome is to improve the quality of learning and teaching, and to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 4, on inclusive and equitable quality education.
based on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Dr. John Nyambe, Director of Centre for Professional Development of UNAM delivered
For further information contact: e.mbamanovandu@unesco.org
remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of UNAM. UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
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STEPP—THE SURVEY OF TEACHERS IN PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION) TRAINING IN KHOMAS REGION EDUCATION
Ms. Marika Matengu a representative from Universtiy of Namibia as she delivered the training to participants The University of Namibia, Ministry of Education Arts and Culture, Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in collaboration with UNESCO Windhoek Office organized a 1-day training of The Survey of Teachers in Pre-Primary Education of ECCE Centre Coordinators for Field Trial Administration for Khomas Region in Windhoek on 12 March 2019.
participating countries, also to contribute to filling the data and evidence gap in order to support evidence-informed policy interventions. The specific objectives for this survey is to develop and pilot instrument to survey teachers and managers, to generate and disseminate cross-national findings resulting from pilots, and to identify lessons from pilots for further improvements of the survey instrument
The Survey of Teachers in Pre-Primary Education (STEPP) is aimed at collecting pertinent information from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Centre heads and staff . STEPP offers the opportunity for ECCE Centre personnel to provide input into ECCE analysis and policy development, and is being conducted in several low-and middle income countries (LMICs).
There were 8 primary schools and 5 ECD centres participating in the training in Khomas Region. The training was focused on the Centre Coordinators and Quality Monitors. An ECCE Centre Head should act as a ECCE Centre Coordinator and should be responsible for coordinating questionnaire administration and data collection within a selected ECCE Centre. Where this is not possible, the ECCE Centre Head will delegate this task by nominating one staff member to be the ECCE Centre Coordinator.
The survey is focused on training and qualifications, experience, professional development, Centre climate, pedagogical practices and job satisfaction. The participating countries for this study currently include the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Namibia, the Philippines, Togo and Vietnam. The teacher challenge in the pre-primary education sector requires evidence-informed policy interventions that support capacity enhancement, professionalization and job stability. There is limited information available on the training and working conditions as well as practices and needs of pre-primary teachers particularly in low and middle-income countries.
During the training, the Centre Coordinators discussed their responsibilities, they also discussed what to do before the administration, during the administration and after the administration. As for the Quality Monitors, their role is to ensure the quality of the whole survey process. The training clarified the responsibilities of all actors involved. Other trainings took place on 28 March, 2019, both in Oshana Region and Erongo Region. After the training, the survey will begin with the support of the Center Coordinators and Quality Monitors. For further information contact: e.mbamanovandu@unesco.org
The overall goal of the survey is to provide data and indicators to assist policy makers with the delivery of quality ECCE services in the
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REVISING AND UPDATING ICT IN EDUCATION POLICY EDUCATION Steering Committee was formed to coordinate ICT activities in Namibia.
Tech/Na! is part of a sector wide approach and constitutes of a comprehensive strategy for the integration of ICT components across the entire education sector. Adopting an end-to-end approach, the Ministry of Education ensured that all gaps were identified at the onset of planning, and addressed when developing the ICTs in education strategy. Tech/NA! is designed to equip institutions (equipment and infrastructure), educate teachers and learners (capacity), and empower whole communities (advocacy).
Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Nghipondoka delivering the opening remarks The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture in collaboration with UNESCO Windhoek Office organized a 2-day working meeting on ICT Policy Revision in Okahandja from 4 - 5 March 2019.
The meeting falls under the Chinese-Funds-In-Trust (CFIT) Project Phase II to guide and strengthens ICT integration in Education in Namibia. The working meeting focused on revising and updating the ICT in Education Policy and implementation plan facilities of the project.
The ICT in Education policy and Tech/Na! implementation plan are informed by existing national frameworks which recognize the unlimited possibilities that ICT hold in promoting sustainable national development. These are therefore in line with Vision 2030, the Public Service Informative Technology Policy, the National ICT Policy, and all the former National Development Plans (NDP) 1-4 and the current NDP 5 and the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP) 2005-2020.
At its onset, Tech/Na!, and particularly its multi-stakeholder model, which blended local expertise and international support to implement ICTs in educational institutions holistically, was innovative. Implementation however has been severely hampered. Great opportunity lays in revising and reviving the ICT in Education Policy and the Tech/Na! Implementation Plan. For further information contact: n.zhang@unesco.org
The ICT Steering Committee for Education was to provide a current and comprehensive strategic document; this process culminated in 2005 in the development of a new ICT Initiative for the Education Sector called Tech/Na!
Based on the submission of the different draft parts of the revised policy, the working group worked together to go through the whole policy. Finally, the draft final version of the policy will be available. The ICT Division will then present the final policy to the Deputy Minister. Apart from the revised policy, there will be an implementation plan-working meeting during the first week of April, aiming at finalizing the Tech/Na! implementation plan for the ICT in Education Policy.
Among the goals outlined in Namibia’s Vision 2030 Agenda is the development of a knowledge-based society – with a key target that stipulates that ICT must be the most important sector in the economic development of the country by 2030. Namibia’s development of strong and coherent ICTs in Education implementation plan began in 1995 with the development of the first ICT in Education Policy. This was revised in 2000, and by February 2004 the ICT and Education
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
Participants from the various stakeholders take part in discussions during the policy revision sessions
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SECOND GLOBAL WORKSHOP HELD TO PREPARE VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEWS (VNRS) TO BE PRESENTED AT THE HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM (HLPF) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Platforms such as the one provided by this workshop are key towards reviewing the current state of implementation of the 2030 Agenda at national level, as well as strengthening the review and follow-up framework of the agenda. By ensuring more rigorous, evidence-based and inclusive VNRs being presented at the HLPF, the workshop aims to maximize the usefulness of the VNRs and the HLPF for all countries. The workshop began with member states engaging in a lively discussion about where they stand in their preparation of the VNRs, their areas of greatest progress as well as the challenges they have faced so far. Sessions chaired by different member states throughout the day, Around 70 delegates from 37 countries were in Bonn to attend
focused on topics such as ensuring ownership of the VNRs and ensur-
the Second Global Workshop for countries conducting a Voluntary
ing engagement by governments and public institutions, discussing
National Review (VNR) at the July 2019 High-Level Political Forum on
the scope and content of the VNR reports, leveraging data for the na-
Sustainable Development (HLPF). The workshop took place at the UN
tional implementation of the SDGs and the VNRs, among others. Day
Bonn’s Langer Eugen building from 19 to 20 February.
two of the workshop focused on discussion sessions built around engaging non-state actors in the VNRs process, as well as leveraging
Jointly organised by the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Co-
VNRs in mobilizing resources for the implementation of the 2030
ordination for Sustainable Development at UN Department of Eco-
Agenda. Member state delegates also received inputs on how the
nomic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations System
VNRs will be presented and discussed at the HLPF in July. The work-
Staff College (UNSSC) Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Develop-
shop closed with member state delegates discussing next steps in
ment. It was the second preparatory workshop in a series of three.
their VNR preparation process.
The workshop served as a crucial platform for member states to exchange experiences from their ongoing VNR preparation processes
Besides informing the continuous improvement of the follow-up and
and, in turn, learn from each other. Made possible through the sup-
review process at the global level, general lessons learned from the
port of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
various exchanges among countries at the two-day workshop also
Development (BMZ), the workshop is being chaired by the President
contributed to preparing the review of the resolutions on the HLPF by
of ECOSOC, Her Excellency Ms. Inga Rhonda King.
the General Assembly at its 74th session, which will provide an opportunity to improve the VNR process.
Recognising the role of VNRs as instrumental for the review and follow-up process of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 51 member states volunteered to present their VNRs at the High-Level
Source: https://www.unssc.org/news-and-insights/news/un-desa-andunssc-host-second-global-workshop-bonn-national-delegates/
Political Forum (HLPF) in New York in July 2019. National delegates from over 37 countries attended the workshop in Bonn, alongside observers from four UN Regional Commissions, other UN entities, and the European Commission.
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
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NAMIBIA CELEBRATES JOINT WORLD WATER, FORESTS AND WETLANDS DAY HEAD OF OFFICE
Students perform during the commemoration of the Water , Forests and Wetlands Day ©UNDP The United Nations (UN) in Namibia under the leadership of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and United Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) and other partners in jointly commemorating World Water Day, World Wetlands Day and the International Day of Forests on 15 March 2019 at the Oanob Dam in the Hardap Region. The UN General Assembly had designated 2 February as World Wetlands Day, 21 February as International Day of Forests and 22 March as World Water Day. The joint commemoration celebrated all of these important observances and their respective themes: “Wetlands and Climate Change”, “Forests and Education” and “Leaving No One Behind”.
Students raising awareness of the protection of the environment and saving trees through a theatrical performance © UNDP to the needs of women and girls and those vulnerable situations. Additionally, this contributes to target 2 of SDG 15 which aims to promote implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. Furthermore, this related to Pillar 3 “Environmental Sustainability of the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2019-2023, which aims that by 2023, vulnerable populations in disaster prone areas and biodiversity sensitive areas are resilient to shocks and climate change effects and benefit from natural resources management. For more information contact: margretha.kampulu@undp.org
Through his keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Hon. Alpheus !Naruseb highlighted the necessity of addressing wetlands, forests and water issues in order to accelerate solutions to protect these resources. He further noted that it is everyone's responsibility to take care of water and other resources. Speaking on behalf of UN Namibia, the UNESCO Representative to Namibia, Mr. Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum reiterated the fact that Namibia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and thus it is of the utmost importance that Namibia looks towards innovation in addressing challenges and building resilience. Furthermore, he stated that the commemoration should be a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment, including wetlands, forests and water sources, as these are sources of livelihoods and are key for ecosystems and the economy to operate. Efforts to curb eater scarcity in Namibia build on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 which targets by 2030 to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
UNESCO Representative to Namibia, Mr. Djaffar Moussa –Elkadhum speaking at the joint commemoration ©UNDP
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINDHOEK OFFICE
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINDHOEK OFFICE
UPCOMING EVENTS
3– 6 April 2019: International Conference on Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) event: National Skills Competition and Exposition
25-30 April 2019: Observances of International Jazz Day
29-30 April 2019: UNESCO Windhoek Office Staff Retreat
3 May 2019: World Press Freedom Day
May 2019: UNESCO-Shenzhen Project training on Quality Assurance of managers (Date TBC)
May 2019: STEPP Field Training of administrators in Khomas, Oshana and Erongo Region (Date TBC)
20-23 May 2019: Training of 50 Life Skills Teachers on Comprehensive Sexuality Education
For more information please contact us at +264 61 2917000 or email us at windhoek@unesco.org
Director of Publications: Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum Chief Editor: Caroline Nkuziwalela c.nkuziwalela@unesco.org Editors: Ehrens Mbamanovandu, Dickson Kasote, Nanqing Zhang, UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 37
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