End Poverty Blog Newsbook - Namibia: Reflect On Progress On MDGs

President Hifikepunye Pohamba says governments should reflect on progress made regarding the attainment of the millennium development goals (MDGs).

He made the remarks over the weekend, during the annual New Year’s greetings to the diplomatic corps in Namibia.

Diplomats were also encouraged to work hard, in order to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

As countries are given seven years in which to achieve MDGs, the President feels this is a crucial time because there are increasing indications that the world is facing development emergencies, particularly in poor developing countries.

He said this is also a matter of serious concern for Namibia where progress towards achieving the MDGs has been rather slow.

“It is in this light that we welcome the proposal by the United Nations secretary general (Ban Ki-moon) to hold a high-level session on the MDGs in September this year, to coincide with the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly,” said the President.

The President is confident that the session will allow all countries an opportunity to assess their achievements and shortcomings.

He said Namibia has made progress in the provision of health, education and other critical services, but at the same time, the country faces numerous challenges.

“In view of this, our Government calls upon the international community to consider these unique circumstances and support our efforts to access development assistance and financial resources at favourable rates,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pohamba called on countries to unite. “Our world needs peace and security. Peace is vital for economic and social development and sustainable development requires peace and stability,” he said.

In this regard, Pohamba said Namibia would continue to actively participate in multi-lateral diplomatic initiatives.

“We are concerned about recent conflicts which have flared up in sister countries of Kenya and Chad.

“And we fully support the mediation efforts led by the former secretary general of the United Nations (Kofi Annan), in Kenya on behalf of the African Union.

“We hope that these efforts will bring about lasting peace and security to that country,” he said.

He called on political leaders to resolve the prevailing situation by peaceful means, restore peace and tranquility and avoid further human suffering.

“We remain concerned about the lack of progress in Western Sahara and Palestine, particularly towards the realisation of their inalienable rights to self-determination and independence.”

Regarding the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan, Pohamba appealed to UN member states to render full support.

Pohamba stressed that his Government is also concerned about the devastating impact of natural disasters such as floods and drought, which have affected many communities in the region.

He said last year was a challenging year for the Southern African sub-region, as the region experienced devastating drought and floods.

“In Namibia, the education of our children was disrupted as students and teachers had to be relocated to higher ground because of floods.

“Floods have also destroyed homes, schools and infrastructure such as roads and bridges,” said the President.

As a result of the floods, communal farmers in rural areas are also affected and the farmers could not work on their crop fields on time. This is likely to lead to severe food shortages.

“It is our resolve, as a Government, to ensure that no human life is lost because of lack of food,” he said.

Another concern raised by the President was climate change, which poses a threat to the planet.

“Climate change impacts on each and every country. Thus, it must be viewed as one of the top priorities on the international agenda,” he stressed.

According to the Initial National Communication of the Convention on Climate Change, Namibia is classified as highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

It is predicted that the country will become increasingly hotter and drier with shorter and unreliable rain seasons.

Against this background, Pohamba urged Southern African governments to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

On electricity shortages facing the region, he said, “This should impel our governments to work towards developing and harnessing sustainable and renewable sources of energy and efficient technologies to satisfy increasing energy demands,” he said.

The President expressed satisfaction with the progress made towards finalising NDP3 as well as progress made towards the implementation of Vision 2030.

“During 2008, we will continue to reinforce our relations through top-level visits, joint commission sessions and other diplomatic activities through our embassies, high commissions and consulates in various parts of the world, ” said Pohamba.

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Namibia: Reflect On Progress On MDGs - President