NEW YORK – Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged her country’s continued dedication to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda during the Annual Ministerial Focal Points Network held on Wednesday at the United Nations.
Addressing delegates, President Nandi-Ndaitwah described Resolution 1325 as a cornerstone of international peace efforts, noting that its growth over 25 years reflects global commitment to women’s involvement in peacebuilding. Namibia, she said, is preparing to review its first National Action Plan on WPS and to develop a stronger second plan that will broaden community-led initiatives and strengthen private sector involvement.
The first plan, she explained, included provisions on disaster risk management, climate change, and cyber security. The new phase will involve a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise across all Namibian regions to ensure the participation of government, civil society, traditional leaders, youth and communities.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also outlined Namibia’s regional role, stating that the country will continue working with SADC and the African Union to ensure the WPS agenda is integrated into broader peace and security efforts. In October, Namibia will host two major commemorative events marking the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, one in Windhoek with the AU Commission and SADC Secretariat, and another in New York. Both gatherings are expected to share best practices and renew commitments to the WPS agenda.
She further announced that Namibia will hold an intergenerational dialogue to bridge the gap between women leaders and youth, while capacity building for mediation, peacekeeping and peace support operations will be prioritised. Through its International Women’s Peace Centre, Namibia aims to strengthen regional leadership and create stronger partnerships to support women, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
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