Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned that multilateralism and fair trade are under serious threat, especially for countries in the Global South, calling on the youth to rise and defend global justice.
She was speaking at the official opening of the XXI General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) at the University of Namibia (Unam) last week.
The President highlighted the need for youth to actively participate in shaping a peaceful, just and equal world, amid growing geopolitical instability.
“Multilateralism is under threat. And when multilateralism is under threat, the weak, particularly we in the Global South, are becoming vulnerable,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She added that Namibia’s own history as a product of international solidarity makes it impossible for the country to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“The youth of the world must demand a fair international trade system that drives economic growth and brings prosperity to all. The current international order is unjust, and must be transformed,” she said.
The Assembly, which brought together delegates from across the globe, was described by the president as “timely and important”, especially as the world grapples with war, economic inequality, and the exploitation of natural resources.
“This Assembly is not by accident. The world is changing fast. Your voices must be louder than ever to defend the values that organisations like WFDY have stood for: peace, justice and equality,” Nandi-Ndaitwah added.
She warned that the erosion of international cooperation and the growing influence of unilateralism put developing countries at risk of being economically and politically sidelined.
“If the international solidarity that carried us during our struggle for political independence disappears, small countries like ours may suffer deeply. That’s why we must stand together again,” she urged.
Solidarity
The President traced Namibia’s relationship with WFDY back to 1974, when the Swapo Youth League joined the organisation during the liberation struggle.
At the time, she was among the young Namibians in exile, learning and organising for independence.
“We had to learn a lot and be shaped to make a meaningful contribution to the liberation of our country. It was internationalist organisations like WFDY which gave us a platform,” she reflected.
Oppressed
Nandi-Ndaitwah condemned ongoing conflicts and human rights’ violations, particularly in Palestine and Western Sahara.
“It is painful to see genocides being committed against the people of Palestine, while the international community stands silent. But one day, they will be free and independent in their own country,” she said, receiving loud applause from delegates.
She reaffirmed Namibia’s support for Cuba, Venezuela and Zimbabwe, countries facing international sanctions and isolation.
“We continue to demand the lifting of sanctions and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated.
Future
The President reminded the assembly that Africa is the youngest continent in the world, and that the future belongs to the youth.
“The challenge faced today is youth unemployment. The world needs new investment tools and fair trade to bring about a balanced and sustainable economic order. And youth must be part of that solution,” she said.
Citing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s development plan, she called on young people to become “watchmen who guard the doors that open the pathway towards future prosperity”.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that Namibia’s new administration, which she leads, is focused on unity, resource beneficiation and youth empowerment.
She encouraged youth organisations like WFDY to partner with local youth to achieve national development goals.
“Our theme – unity in diversity, natural resources’ beneficiation for youth empowerment and sustainable development – is not just a slogan. It is our path forward,” she said.
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