The future of Namibia is right here

Learners discover shared hopes, bold ideas and a sense of responsibility
Discussions on global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals highlighted the role young people already play in shaping Namibia’s future.
Desmarius Hansen
  • 6 Hours Ago

The future of Namibia is already being shaped by its young people.

This became clear when about 140 learners from six schools gathered at the United Nations House in Windhoek on 10 June 2026 for the annual UN4U and SDG Educational Outreach Programme, hosted by the United Nations in Namibia.

First-time visitors from A.I. Steenkamp Primary School, Bet-El Primary School, Elim Primary School, Goreangab Junior Secondary School, Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School and Windhoek International School arrived with excitement and curiosity, unaware of how closely their ideas about the country’s future would align.

In her opening remarks, United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo posed a question that set the tone for the day: “If you had the power to change one thing in your community today to make it fairer, safer or greener, what would it be?”

Learners quickly responded with ideas including better healthcare, improved education, cleaner environments and more jobs, reflecting priorities linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Phororo later told them: “The solutions already exist in this room,” - a statement that captured the energy of the discussion.


Global challenges, local solutions

Through facilitated sessions led by Emma Mbekele of the United Nations Population Fund and Anthea Basson, learners explored global challenges including poverty, pollution, water shortages, unemployment, climate change and conflict.

The discussions encouraged participation rather than passive listening, helping learners connect issues and understand how education, health, water and environmental protection are interlinked.

The principle of “Leave no one behind” encouraged reflection on equality and inclusion, while discussions on the Pact for the Future highlighted global cooperation. Learners shared personal ambitions shaped by these conversations. One said: “I want to study medicine because there are many sick people who need help.” Another added: “I want to stop pollution because it affects our environment and our future. If we all do our part, we can make our communities cleaner and healthier.”

As the programme ended, learners spoke with growing confidence about speaking up in their communities. One participant said: “I would stand up for what is wrong because sometimes we feel we cannot speak because we are small. But whether my voice is soft or loud, what is wrong is wrong and what is right is right.”

The session showed that active citizenship begins early and that young people are already thinking about solutions.

The visit turned the United Nations House into a space of dialogue and imagination. It showed that the future is not distant, but already present in the questions learners ask, the solutions they propose and the confidence with which they speak about the Namibia they hope to build.