STATEMENT BY HONORABLE NETUMBO NANDI - NDAITWAH ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE DR THEO-BEN GURIRAB LECTURE SERIES 31 JULY 2017(...)
In the interest of time, please allow me to respect the protocol that was established by the Director of Ceremonies.
On behalf of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, which I have the distinct honor and privilege to head, I wish to welcome His Excellency Comrade President, former President and all distinguished participants to this historic event, the launch of the Dr. Theo - Ben Gurirab Lecture Series.
The question might be asked, why the Lecture Series? In answering, our President, Namibia's Chief Diplomat will elaborate further on that. Let me however mention that, following the Foreign Policy Review Conference held from 25 - 29 July 2016, and taking into account the over subscription of all the workshops held then, the overarching interest of the general public, especially the youth and academia in global events and how they impact on our domestic policies, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation decided to introduce Lecture Series, in order to inform and engage the public about contemporary global events.
The Lecture Series will encourage the population to be involved in shaping Policy on International Relations (Foreign Policy), in relation to Namibia’s development agenda as outlined in our Constitution, Vision 2030 and its NDPs, the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto, the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), complemented by the AU Africa Agenda 2063, and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. These Lecture Series will provide an opportunity to reflect on how best we can continue to effectively serve the interests of the Namibian people, contributing to their security, prosperity and wellbeing, as well as the promotion of the country’s values, through its active international engagements.
Topics to be discussed during the Lecture Series will be based on contemporary global events. Presenters will be drawn from Government including Senior Management in MIRCO, the Namibia Association of Former Ambassadors (NAFA), various sectors of society such as academia, civil society, Parliament, private Sector, youth representatives, Diplomatic corps, parastatals etc., and were necessary, international experts. The Lecture Series will be held on a quarterly basis, and the venues for the Series will rotate among the 14 Regions to ensure that no one should feel left out.