Namibia becomes global water hub

Namibia has strengthened its position as a centre for international water diplomacy following the official opening of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) board meeting at the United Nations House in Windhoek.

The event, held on 11 June 2026, marked the organisation’s first board meeting since establishing its operational base in Namibia and brought together government officials, United Nations representatives and international water experts.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani, welcomed the GWPO board to Namibia, describing the relocation as a vote of confidence in the country’s stability and commitment to sustainable water governance.

She said Namibia understood the value of water, given its arid climate and long-standing challenges related to water scarcity.

The United Nations resident coordinator, Hopolang Phororo, highlighted the role of the UN in Windhoek as a platform where global expertise and national priorities converge. She thanked the Namibian government for hosting the organisation and said achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation would require coordinated global action rather than fragmented efforts.

Phororo also highlighted global inequalities in access to water and sanitation, noting that 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services, while 3.4 billion lack safely managed sanitation. “The world is not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030, underscoring the need for stronger governance, increased financing and deeper international cooperation.”

Water demands overlooked

She also drew attention to the often-overlooked water demands of modern technology, noting that digital infrastructure carries a significant water footprint.

Speakers described Namibia as a living laboratory of water resilience, shaped by extreme aridity, recurring droughts and innovative approaches to water management. They said this experience positions the country as a credible partner in advancing integrated and sustainable water solutions.

The relocation of the GWPO to Windhoek was formalised through a headquarters agreement between Namibia and the organisation. While the secretariat is currently operating from the UN House, efforts are underway to secure permanent offices.

Under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025–2029, collaboration will focus on integrated water resources management, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, innovation in water infrastructure and equitable access to water services.

These priorities are intended to support Namibia’s development goals while strengthening regional water governance.

With the GWPO now based in Windhoek, Namibia joins a small group of countries hosting major international water governance institutions. The partnership is expected to strengthen global dialogue on water security, particularly in arid and climate-vulnerable regions.