- Andreas Sheya
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, received a courtesy visit from the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Ms Hopolang Phororo. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the National Assembly and the United Nations, with particular focus on parliamentary oversight, policy implementation, capacity building and national development.
Ms Phororo reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support for Namibia through its social development pillar despite the shift to green energy industrialization, she acknowledged the importance of these issues and noted that the UN’s expertise remains particularly relevant in areas such as technical assistance, policy advice and supporting implementation. She emphasised the importance of coordinated approaches involving Government, Parliament, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders.
She emphasised the need to shift from policy planning to implementation, particularly ensuring that priorities outlined in the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) are effectively executed. She further advocated for systems-driven approaches that strengthen coordination and delivery. And signified ongoing engagements with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Economy, Industries, Public Administration and Planning Committee, and also the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in conjunction with the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the Ombudsman Bill which is currently on the floor of the National Assembly.
The Speaker emphasised the important role of Parliamentary Committees in engaging communities, monitoring the implementation of laws and resolutions, and ensuring that feedback from citizens is properly considered in policy and legislative processes. She noted that strengthening the capacity of Parliamentary Committees and parliamentary technical staff would enable Parliament to exercise more effective oversight over the Executive and monitor the implementation of parliamentary decisions. She also stressed emphasis on the need the synchronization of institutional development plans with human resource development plans, this improved coordination will ensure that the supplied skills by our education system is on par with the demand for the job market.
This visit was a crucial opportunity for the legislature and UN as a development partner to discuss issues around areas of continued cooperation and also highlighted that available resources and technical expertise are directed towards priorities that can produce meaningful results for Namibians and that policies and development plans are effectively translated into practical action that benefits communities.
