Turning Aspirations into Action
A renewed UN-Namibia partnership to reduce inequality and empower youth
With less than six years remaining until the expiration of Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development, the world faces significant challenges. Wars and conflicts continue to rage, climate change is taking an increasingly harsh toll, and uncertainty looms on many fronts.Yet, amid these challenges, hope persists.
A month ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, a vision for multilateralism designed to help the world deliver on its promises. While some are sceptical of this new framework—especially given that Agenda 2030 failed to achieve all its targets—others see the Pact as an ambitious effort to address both existing and emerging global issues.
However, it is essential to remember that the success or failure of such frameworks depends not just on external factors but on people’s commitment, will, and ability to change behaviour. Multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council and financial institutions must reform to better serve global needs.
These institutions were designed for a different era and are now often ill-equipped to address today’s complex challenges. Resistance to change benefits a select few, while many are left behind. Meaningful reform of these institutions is critical to achieving true progress.
Adapt
At the national level, institutions also need to adapt. In Namibia, the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2019-2024 is concluding, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025-2029 will soon begin.
While some targets – particularly in social areas like health, education, and gender-based violence – were achieved, others related to environmental and economic transformation fell short. The lessons learned during the implementation of UNPAF will inform the UNSDCF, which seeks to address persistent challenges such as rising unemployment, climate-related disasters, and gender inequality.
The new UNSDCF focuses on four key areas: effective governance, economic resilience, sustainable development, and human development. These priorities align with Namibia’s National Development Plan (NDP) 6, which is currently being finalized. To accelerate progress towards Agenda 2030 targets, the UN is committed to fostering greater cooperation among various stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, government structures, and development partners.
Partnerships
Innovative financing and partnerships will be crucial for delivering sustainable outcomes. The UN will explore ways to leverage pooled and domestic funding, as well as draw on global expertise to support Namibia’s national priorities. Joint programming across UN agencies, focusing on regional and area-based approaches, will also be key to enhancing impact.
The Pact for the Future and the new UNSDCF offer opportunities to recalibrate and address Namibia’s most pressing development issues. With a new leader set to take office in 2025, these frameworks provide a strong foundation for progress. The UN remains committed to supporting Namibia’s journey toward sustainable development through the implementation of the UNSDCF and beyond.
* Hopolang Phororo is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia.
** Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Namibia Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.