Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for protection of African land

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger cooperation between Russia and African countries to implement the Namib Declaration.

The Namib Declaration aims to fight desertification, restore damaged land and help communities cope with drought.

She made the call on Thursday during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Russia, where she urged countries to work together to address climate change, water shortages and challenges affecting agriculture.

The Namib Declaration was adopted in Windhoek on 27 September 2013 during the 11th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

The declaration also encourages countries to improve drought preparedness, support sustainable land management and use scientific research to address environmental challenges.

The declaration places emphasis on protecting rural communities, involving the private sector and empowering women in efforts to manage land and natural resources.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia remains vulnerable to drought, which affects agricultural production, water supplies and rural livelihoods.

She called for stronger efforts to address desertification, land degradation and drought through the implementation of the declaration.
She also urged Russia and African countries to invest more in water infrastructure to improve water security.

She said reliable water supplies are important for agriculture, economic development and communities.

On agriculture, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater investment in modern farming technologies, agricultural research and better access to markets.

She said cooperation between Russia and Africa should improve food production and support farmers.

The president also called for stronger cooperation in livestock production and veterinary services.

She urged both sides to work together to prevent, control and eliminate animal diseases that spread across national borders.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the partnership between Russia and Africa should create jobs, support industries and improve people’s lives.

She called for stronger business relations, joint investments, technology transfer and skills development to increase trade and create economic opportunities.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said cooperation should move beyond promises and produce results that benefit ordinary citizens.

She urged African countries to process more of their natural resources locally instead of relying mainly on exporting raw materials.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Africa’s young population and opportunities in agriculture, energy, industry and technology could support economic growth.
She l called for stronger cooperation in education, research and training, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

She called for reforms to international institutions to give African countries a greater say in decisions affecting them.

The president welcomed Russia’s support for Africa’s position on reforming the United Nations Security Council.

She also called for changes to the international financial system to better address the development needs of African countries.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said international institutions should reflect current political and economic conditions and give all countries a meaningful role in decision-making.