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YouthMobile training-of-trainers initiative launched in Namibia

Namibia reviews Technical and Vocational Education and Training; Higher Education; and Science, Technology and Innovation Systems

Stakeholders meet to validate the Namibia Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy

UNESCO report on TVET, higher education and innovation presented to Government of Namibia

September 14, 2016

UNESCO Windhoek Office - Vacancy Announcement

Online workshop held with Namibian STI leaders

On 14 October 2021 UNESCO and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO organized a workshop to review programmes and activities implemented by the Sectors for Natural Sciences and Social and Human Sciences in Namibia as well as identify national needs and establish a roadmap for activities over the next two years The workshop was attended by 62 participants representing academia government parastatals the private sector and UNESCO The workshop included a panel discussion on the state of Namibias national innovation system featuring two university Vice Chancellors the Director of Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education Technology and Innovation and two representatives of the Minds in Action science learning centre The panellists identified a need to significantly improve communications relating to scientific results and issues ensure that research is adequately funded including by the private sector and provide stakeholders in the tech industry with sufficient legal protections for their intellectual property The panellists highlighted developmental programmes as a way of fostering innovation among the youth The challenges and opportunities highlighted by the panellists reflect some of the values inscribed in the Recommendations on Science and Scientific Researchers which calls on UNESCOs member states to Promote access to research results and engage in the sharing of scientific data between researchers and to policymakers and to the public wherever possible while being mindful of existing rights paragraph 16 av Treat public funding of research and investment as a form of public investment paragraph 6 Ensure that the scientific and technological results of scientific researchers enjoy appropriate legal protection of their intellectual property paragraph 37 and Lend their support to all educational initiatives designed to a strengthen all sciences technology engineering and mathematics education in schools and other formal and informal settings paragraph 14 a Namibia is one of six pilot countries taking part in the project Strengthening STI Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa an initiative funded by the Swedish International Development Agency SIDA As part of the project stakeholders in Namibia are conducting a baseline assessment of the countrys science technology and innovation system benchmarked against the standards of the Recommendations Having identified challenges and opportunities for Namibia the project will then seek to raise national capacity to design and monitor inclusive policies

January 31, 2022

Science Week Organized in Namibia to Boost Public Engagement with Science

Science Week was held in Namibia over 2226 November and 611 December 2021 under the theme Better Health Through Better Understanding Organized by UNESCO the Goethe Institute Ministry of Mines and Energy and Swakopmund Museum The objective of Science Week was to promote public engagement with science through handson enjoyable activities About 212 school children 20 young researchers and 20 members of the public participated in the activities Thirtysix secondaryschool children participated in two sessions of coding and robotics on 22 and 24 November supported by Minds in Action a Namibiabased organization with a focus on science technology engineering and mathematics Using SCRATCH coding software the learners simulated the transmission of the Covid19 disease A panel discussion was held on 25 November on the wellbeing of scientists featuring three scientists who represented the fields of metallurgy chemistry and engineering The audience comprised of about 20 university students and early career scientists threequarters of whom were under 30 years of age Panellists discussed some of the challenges faced by scientists in Namibia today including what they perceived as a shortage of laboratory equipment and chemicals and a lack of robust mental health facilities and support The panellists identified some opportunities to strengthen Namibias science ecosystem such as by expanding the provision of mental health clinics which could provide professional counselling promote lifelong learning improve policy implementation and raise public awareness of national success stories in science Some of the challenges and opportunities identified by the panellists reflect the provisions of the Recommendations on Science and Scientific Researchers an international accord that sets common standards for science adopted by UNESCOs 195 member states in November 2017 For instance paragraph 28 of the Recommendations reads Member States should encourage the provision of facilities so that scientific researchers enjoy lifelong opportunities for keeping themselves up to date in their own and in other scientific fields

January 31, 2022

Namibia Conducting Nationwide Data Collection Exercise

A multistakeholder team in Namibia has embarked on a nationwide data collection exercise to benchmark the countrys science technology and innovation system against the norms and standards of the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers Namibia is one of six pilot countries taking part in the project Strengthening STI Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa an initiative funded by the Swedish International Development Agency SIDA In its latter stages the project will support Namibia in designing inclusive policies that integrate the recommendations standards and norms The benchmarking exercise will inform this process by helping to identify gaps needs strengths and opportunities in policy and practice Across the country about 700 stakeholders had completed online or physical questionnaires by early December 2021 Data were collected for all but two regions between 20 September and 1 October 2021 Many of these stakeholders reported that the data collection exercise had been their first opportunity to learn about or engage with the recommendation a significant portion also indicated that they wished to be consulted on the issues raised by the recommendation in future The data collection team consisted of stakeholders from Namibias National Commission on Research Science and Technology NCRST the Ministry of Higher Education Technology and Innovation and UNESCO On 17 September 2021 the team discussed the national exercise on the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation NBC TVs Good Morning Namibia show Members of the team also participated in interviews with regional radio stations to raise awareness on the data collection exercise

January 31, 2022

UNESCO 2021 survey on public access to information successfully launched

The 2021 Survey on Public Access to Information SDG Indicator 16102 was officially launched last week during the Development Data Group Learning Series World Development Report 2021 Data for Better Lives The online event highlighted the importance of good quality data to be collected disseminated and shared to improve policy and its implementation

Windhoek+30 Declaration calls for affirming information is a public good

Participants of the 2021 World Press Freedom Day Global Conference adopted the Windhoek 30 Declaration thirty years after the landmark meeting that brought forth the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on Free Independent and Pluralistic Press which triggered the proclamation of 3 May as World Press Freedom Day The conference was held from 29th April to 3rd May same dates of the 1991 Seminar and in a hybrid format

Media and Information Literacy for Youth Civic Engagement

UNESCO Windhoek office is launching Media and Information Literacy MIL for Youth Civic Engagement in Namibia in partnership with the National Youth Council NYC and Namibia National Commission to UNESCO NatCom with financial support from the Japanese government The project aims to engage youthled organisations and youth in general to participate in MIL workshops webinars and online trainings to navigate the digitalized information ecosystem Media and information literacy is a lifelong learning tool for youth to assess and verify messages Fed and received on social media platforms and the internet Be aware of content providers business model political commercial and societal agendas and to interpret and disseminate reliable information by an agency of their own informed choice Seeking interacting and sharing information online also implies privacy issues which is closely associated with transparency of internet companies regarding collection of data and algorithm Education on digital citizenship is thus another vital component of media and information literacy Under the project framework UNESCO Windhoek office NYC and its partners will organize workshops with youthled organizations to enhance their MIL capacities and eventually contribute towards recommendation guidelines for the integration of MIL in youth organizations daily operations At individual level online trainings and webinars on UNESCOs MILCLICKS initiative and MILrelated topics like tackling online hate speech and disinformation are open to every Namibian youth aged 1635 years old The development of MILCLICKS microlearning infographics and videos is anticipated from the participating youth with the guidance of trainers to ensure active engagement The vision of this project is to enable youth to make informed decisions become actively involved in wideranging societal affairs and be the changemaker in their professional fields For youth organizations wishing to attend the workshop please fill in the online survey Registration closes 30th June 2021 1159 pm latest For youth individuals interested in online trainings and webinars please fill in the registration form Registration closes by 30th June 20201 1159 pm as well Youth participants are encouraged to sign up for MIL MOOC COURSE as complementary learning materials and will receive online certificate once they have completed the course For more information please contact Ms Yang Wang yawangunescoorg and Brian Prince Relevant links UNESCO MIL MILCLICKS Twitter Facebook and Instagram

Official Launch of The National Strategy on ‘Sustainable Heritage Tourism Development and Employment Creation Opportunities at Community Level in Namibia’

The Namibian Government through the Ministry of Education Arts and Culture MEAC and the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism MEFT launched a National Strategy on Sustainable Heritage Tourism Development and Employment Creation Opportunities at Community Level Namibia on 21 April 2021 09h00 at NUST Hotel school Windhoek The strategy was developed in partnership with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO and the Namibia Tourism Board The strategy has identified three strategic objectives To accelerate tourisms role in economic development To broaden tourisms role in the social inclusiveness and To boost tourisms role in cultural values environment diversity and heritage management The launch was attended by participants from various entities ranging from representatives of national authorities development organisations academics and individuals from the tourism sector in Namibia In his remarks Mr Djaffar MoussaElkadhum Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Namibia applauded the two Ministries for their commitment towards the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism in Namibia and he acknowledged that the Strategy came at a vital time when tourism an important sector contributing to the Namibian economy has been severely impacted by the COVID19 global pandemic He further emphasised how the launched Strategy complements existing strategies and plans for the development of tourism with the specific focus on heritage tourism and community engagement and benefits In conclusion he reaffirms the commitment of UNESCO and the UN Namibia continued support towards the Namibian government to advance culture and sustainable development and the building backbetter of the tourism sector amidst and beyond the COVID19 pandemic Honourable Faustina Caley Deputy Minister of Education Arts and Culture attended the launch on behalf of the Honourable Ester AnnaLisa Nghipondoka Minister of Education Arts and Culture In her opening remarks she recognized the strong partnership formed during the development of the Strategy between various institutions involved She further accentuated the clear testimony that the country now recognizes the fundamental role that heritage and culture play in human development both as an enabler and a driver of Sustainable Development by including Arts and Culture for the first time in the fifth National Development Plan She concluded with confirmation of the continued commitment by the Ministry of Education Arts and Culture towards investment in the promotion of cultural tourism and how the strategy will continue to serve as a reference document and an important framework for our endeavours in this sector In his keynote address Honourable Pohamba Shifeta Minister of Environment Forestry and Tourism encouraged collaboration to overcome the impact of COVID19 on tourism He further emphasised how collaboration will afford an opportunity to work out the best strategies to innovate and package the cultural product because global wealth of traditions is one of the principal motivations for travel with tourists seeking to engage with new cultures and to experience the global variety of performing arts handicrafts rituals and cuisines He also motivated academic institutions to carry out research on the cultural and traditional heritage of our local communities and produce detailed documentations that can be used both for promotional purposes and as study material In his conclusion he calls upon all the key stakeholders in the tourism sector to study Strategy carefully and to work out Action Plans to ensure its successful implementation Dr Erling Kavita Consultant presented the strategy background and methodology key findings and the impact of COVID19 on the strategy and priorities for tourism recovery Dr Kavita emphasis on the way forward includes the followings Aggressive advocacy for heritage tourism Harmonize and coordinate protocols and procedures for COVID19 recovery Establishing champions to rollout the implementation process of the Strategy Added value jobs through innovation in culture and heritage subsector Broadens resource mobilisation efforts domestic regional and international Reinforce regional cooperation and crossborder tourism Mr Digu Naobeb Chief Executive Officer Namibia Tourism Board delivered the vote of thanks he thanked all the parties involved in the successful development of the Strategy He encouraged the ministry responsible for culture to continue safeguarding heritage as it contributes towards the economy and community building Furthermore he emphasised that culture also plays a major role in the promotion of resilience of cultural diversity in the society The strategy contributes towards the beginning of the crucial revival of tourism in Namibia and developing an Action Plan will contribute towards a successful implementation of the strategy

Namibia Flood and Drought Monitor and Early Warning - A Participatory Workshop Addressing Disaster Risk Reduction Towards the National Framework for Climate Services - July 13th, 2021

Background Flood and Drought Monitor Many parts of Namibia are experiencing frequent drought occurrences and an increase in frequency of unpredictable flood and drought In recent years flood frequency has increased in recent years in Namibia affecting around 70000 people annually The 2011 flood affected here nearly 500000 people with over 60000 displaced 19000 in relocation camps and 65 floodrelated deaths Recurrent droughts affect most of the Namibian territory and cause livestock deaths crop failures poverty and food insecurity For example drought events in the period 20132016 affected about 450000 people and caused massive food insecurity Namibia has been caught unexpectedly by flood and reoccurring longer durations of drought For example the CuvelaiEtosha basin has been experiencing both floods and drought and the ZambeziKwandoLinyanti Basin is frequently flooded due to the influence of major rivers and Orange Senqu and also faces frequent drought In 20062007 and 20122013 the country observed the onset of rains which resulted in extreme dryness during the rainfall season and the increased dryness led to the declaration of a year of drought The country was also affected by unexpected flooding in the same year This scenario raised some attention to the understanding of the occurrences of floods and drought and prediction methods used by forecasting bodies within Namibia The impact of the floods and droughts highlighted the need for improved flood and drought monitoring and early warning in Namibia that has also been acknowledged by the Post Disaster Needs Assessment PDNA for the country Particularly a need was identified to count with a consolidated and operational Early Warning System EWS at the national level to address floods and droughts as well as other climatic and weather extremes As climate change is increasing the frequency of waterrelated hazards the need for an operational Early Warning System becomes even more pressing UNESCO and Princeton University developed in 2011 the African Flood and Drought Monitor AFDM providing a regional platform to monitor and provide forecasts of upcoming flood and drought hazards Building on this regional effort a more tailored national version of the Monitor has been developed for Namibia to strengthen flood and drought risk management in the country and to support the work of the national agencies and related stakeholders to address these hazards through the provision of effective climate services Objective The highlevel participatory workshop aims to develop and strengthen the capacity for disaster preparedness and resilience to extreme hydrometeorological phenomena in Namibia through the establishment of improved climate services to address the risks and consequences of floods and droughts Specifically it will Launch the pilot Namibia Flood and Drought Monitor for the management of potential flood and drought risks Assess the gaps and needs countrywide to improve disaster risk management Finalize the proposal for a communitycentered decisionsupportsystem for monitoring and early warning of climate risks in Namibia Impact Improvement of the capacities of national agencies and stakeholders to manage climate information for flood and drought monitoring and forecasting with the establishment of the Namibia Monitoring and Early Warning System Expected results The Namibia FDM is installed with an operative mechanism in terms of human and physical resources facilitating decisionmaking Improved participant understanding of best practices in flood and drought monitoring and management A growing network of connected professionals who share common experiences of training and application in water resources management and disaster risk reduction