Namibia’s journey to independence is one of the UN’s biggest success stories, said Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, noting that it was through this Organization that Namibians petitioned for the end of apartheid and colonial rule.  Her personal UN journey began in 1974 when she represented Namibia and Africa in various capacities within the UN halls.  “As a woman, I encourage every girl and woman by affirming that your voice matters,” she said.  Currently, Namibia’s cabinet is 57 per cent women.  Noting the upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, adopted during Namibia's Presidency of that organ, she said her country will continue to advocate for its universal implementation.

“Climate change is scorching our lands and drying up our rivers,” she said, announcing Namibia’s bid to host the African Regional Hub of the Green Climate Fund.  Stressing the need for ethical boundaries when it comes to technological advances, she said that “artificial intelligence must not be a substitute for human judgment or responsibility”.  Highlighting the Common African Position on the reform of the Security Council, she noted the recognition of Africa as a priority and special case in the reform process.  “We can no longer delay the urgent call to redress the historical injustice to Africa and address our call for equitable and balanced representation on the Security Council,” she stressed.

Turning to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she said the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) is committed to promoting peace and stability in the eastern part of that country.  The Security Council and the Good Offices of the Secretary-General must work towards the resolution of all conflicts, including those in different parts of Africa.  The impasse in the Council over the Question of Western Sahara is an injustice, more than 34 years after the adoption of resolution 690 (1991).  “The time for the holding of the UN referendum on the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara is now,” she added.

She also called for an end to the illegal economic, financial and commercial embargo imposed on Cuba and the illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe, while expressing concern about the emerging threats against Venezuela.  Further, the failure to address the crisis in Gaza could become the moral failure that defines this era.  “Namibia's history is one of untold suffering, marked by apartheid, colonialism and genocide.  It is our painful history that compels us to speak out, not out of bitterness” but out of a conviction in the power of international solidarity, she said.