Africa-Press – Namibia. A MOMENT of silence was observed during the UN General Assembly’s 55th plenary meeting of the 78th season as a tribute to President Hage Geingob, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.
United Nations (UN) President Dennis Francis called for the moment of silence as a tribute to President Geingob.
Francis described President Geingob as a towering figure in Namibian history and politics and a beacon of leadership in the African continent.
Francis indicated that Geingob’s advocacy for sustainable development and renewable energy earned admiration and respect on the world stage, a vision that extended well beyond his country’s borders.
“He will always be remembered for representing Namibia on the UN stage, including as a petitioner to the fourth committee during the dark days of colonialism, articulating the aspirations of the Namibian people for a free democratic Namibia, and later addressing the UN as president on numerous occasions,” he said.
He indicated that by honouring his memory, they should commit themselves to building a future of discipline in rebuilding a modern Namibia.
In her tribute message, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Representative to the United Nations, indicated that President Geingob died as he lived: with transparency and courageous vulnerability.
“President Geingob was a freedom fighter, a respected leader, an African icon, and he was also a farmer. He planted, he ploughed, and he prayed for rain. He believed in the power of farmers to fight food insecurity and lift up entire communities,” she said.
She added that he understood that sometimes, one plants seeds that they don’t live to see bloom. That the best any farmer, any leader, can do is couple true faith with hard work and empower the next generation to do the same.
Hence, Thomas-Greenfield indicated that they should tend to the seeds that President Geingob so lovingly sowed. The seeds of democracy and equality, of opportunity and justice.
“That is how we honour his legacy. And that is how we create a better Namibia, a better continent, and a better world,” she added.
She added that President Geingob is missed for his really infectious laugh and his contagious smile.
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