Namibia can lead fight against climate change

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEKNamibia has a unique opportunity to lead the discourse on combatting climate change globally and to reap the substantial economic rewards that come with it.President Hage Geingob said these ambitions are matched by the highest levels of political commitment domestically.“This is why I have explicitly included the development of a green and blue economy, as well as a green hydrogen industry, as cornerstones of the second Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP-II).”He said even though Namibia is not the main culprit when it comes to warming the earth’s atmosphere, the country suffers the consequences nonetheless.Namibia is the most vulnerable country in Sub-Saharan Africa to climate change, he said, and adaptation is a priority for the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).“But given our natural endowment for renewable energy, we need to do more to reduce our own emissions, which are a mere 0.003% of global emissions.”Geingob made these remarks at a briefing on the 26th Conference of Parties (COP 26) in Glasgow, the Peace Summit and the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in Paris. EngagementsGeingob said he held bilateral meetings with Charles, Prince of Wales, and Prince Albert of Monaco on the margins of COP 26.“During the meeting with the Prince of Wales, I commended Prince Charles for his work in protecting the environment and shared Namibia’s commitment to accelerate efforts in favour of a safer planet for current and future generations.”Geingob further said that during his meeting with Prince Albert of Monaco, he emphasised the need for their countries to work together to harness sustainable ocean economies.Namibia is a founding member of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, which consists of 14 countries.“The United States joined in November during COP 26, thereby becoming the 15th member of the panel,” the president said.After Glasgow, the Namibian delegation travelled to France where they participated in various business forums, including the Green Hydrogen Business Forum in Paris.Geingob said he assured investors that Namibia would continue to provide a favourable investment climate, with processes, systems and institutions committed to effective governance.“This platform presented an opportunity to promote Namibia as a globally competitive producer and exporter of Green Hydrogen to the European market. We extended an invitation to French enterprises in the energy sectors to invest in Namibia, highlighting political stability, good governance and the rule of law as key factors that differentiate Namibia as a preferred investment destination.”Combatting CovidWith regard to the Peace Summit and the 75th anniversary of Unesco, Geingob said key areas of interest there included collaborative efforts to combat the impact of Covid-19.He said in particular the launch of the Covid Global Accountability Platform, which aims to provide an independent accountability hub to accelerate progress on targets and empower low- and middle-income countries to identify access the support they need, was welcomed.“This trip signified that Namibia’s economic recovery plan, which includes international economic diplomacy, is globally relevant and has the potential to transform our country’s fortunes,” Geingob said.ellanie@namibiansun.com

Namibia can lead fight against climate change

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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Namibia can lead fight against climate change

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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