Event Reports
The two days conference allowed the participants to engage in topic of “Political Perspectives for Democracies in the 21st century”, “Progress of Democracy in Sub-Sahara Africa – political apathy or lack of political channels?”, “Economic growth, digitalization and job creation – Common perspectives of Sub-Sahara Africa” and “Human, Political and Energy Security”.
The experts comprised well known academics from across the region including our own: Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Peya Mushelenga delivered the keynote address. The President of the DTA, Hon. McHenry Venaani spoke eloquently on “Challenges for Democracies in Sub-Sahara Africa – the role of parties for Democracy”. His presentation was noted as well delivered. Other presenters included Mr. Ullrich Kinne, Chargé d´Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Namibia, Dr. Alfredo Hengari, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and Prof. Diescho, Executive Director of the Namibian Institute for Public Administration and Management (NIPAM). His arresting emotional speech on “Political Challenges for Namibia and Sub-Sahara Africa” kept participants interested and provoked their intellectual acumen. The former Foreign Minister of the German Democratic Republic and President of the German War Graves Commission, Markus Meckel, delivered on “The Role of Parties and Civil Society for Democracy”. His speech captured personal stories about the political turnaround in Germany. The local and regional economic outlook was presented by Prof. Erasmus, Trade Law Centre South Africa, and Mr. Likukela, Standard Bank Manager Economic and Market Research. Ms. Natasha Tibinyane, Namibian Director of Media Institute of South Africa (MISA) delivered a topic on security. Dr. Chiguvare, Director of Namibia Energy Institute and Mr. Harald Schütt, Managing Director of Amusha Consultancy Services also spoke about energy securities in Namibia and the region.
The topics delivered proved deep and critical discussions on the floor in which participants engaged. The conference concluded with a number of resolutions which include:
•What points are important to strengthen and shape democracy in the region,
•Active participation of citizens is critical in strengthening democracies,
•Ethnicity, religion and tribal issues and conflicts should be normalized,
•The economies need to be strengthened in order to reduce unemployment and increase competition,
•Finally, there is a need to improve the education systems across the region.
Participants were given opportunities to network through exchange of contacts and casual talks during and after the event.
