Nandi-Ndaitwah’s contributions honoured at Sustainable Development Awards
Namibia's vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was honoured with a Thought Leadership award last week for her significant contributions to environmental sustainability in Namibia, particularly during her tenure as minister of environment and tourism from 2010 to 2012.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was honoured at the fourth Sustainable Development Awards (SDAs) for the pivotal role she has played in the establishment of the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).
This initiative has since become a cornerstone for promoting sustainable environmental practices in Namibia.
The SDAs are held to honour exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability.
The event recognised the efforts of youth, women, artists, corporates, schools and journalists in promoting sustainable development.
The awards, which began in 2015, were established in response to Namibia's environmental challenges and align with global sustainability imperatives, according to Ruan Bestbier, the Sustainable Development Advisory Council (SDAC) deputy chairperson.
Recognising excellence
SM Biocycle Converters CC received the award for sustainable development in the start-up category, while B2Gold was honoured as the established private sector champion. At the community level, Aveshe Food Products was awarded for their traditional food product that promotes sustainable farming practices, ending hunger and empowering women.
Under the research and development category, Shepherd Nyambe was celebrated for impactful research projects focusing on climate action and sustainable energy in Namibia. Kaylah Cordom, the youth ambassador of Afrifoodlinks for the City of Windhoek, received the youth action award for her efforts in transforming urban food systems using hydroponics.
Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School and Superb Children English Academy were also recognised for their contributions to environmental sustainability, highlighting the critical role of educational institutions in fostering a greener future.
Each of the awardees was awarded a cash prize of N$20 000.
‘Audacity of hope’
Environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta told the guests: "Tonight, we celebrate more than just awards. We celebrate the audacity of hope, the power of human ingenuity and the unwavering spirit of Namibia. We stand at a crossroads, one where the fate of our environment, our economy and our very future hangs in the balance. Yet, amidst the challenges, tonight, we gather to witness the brilliance that illuminates the path towards a brighter tomorrow."
Shifeta also paid tribute to late president Hage Geingob.
He highlighted Geingob's instrumental role in embedding sustainability principles in Namibia, such as the Namibia Green Plan of 1992 and the Environmental Management Act of 2007.
"From the visionary constitutional architects of our sustainability laws to the tenacious rural communities safeguarding our wildlife, pioneers of circular economies, and young minds leading the charge for climate action – each of you is a beacon of inspiration," Shifeta said.
The event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Bank Windhoek, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Gondwana, the Rössing Foundation, UNDP and the National Arts Council of Namibia.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was honoured at the fourth Sustainable Development Awards (SDAs) for the pivotal role she has played in the establishment of the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).
This initiative has since become a cornerstone for promoting sustainable environmental practices in Namibia.
The SDAs are held to honour exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability.
The event recognised the efforts of youth, women, artists, corporates, schools and journalists in promoting sustainable development.
The awards, which began in 2015, were established in response to Namibia's environmental challenges and align with global sustainability imperatives, according to Ruan Bestbier, the Sustainable Development Advisory Council (SDAC) deputy chairperson.
Recognising excellence
SM Biocycle Converters CC received the award for sustainable development in the start-up category, while B2Gold was honoured as the established private sector champion. At the community level, Aveshe Food Products was awarded for their traditional food product that promotes sustainable farming practices, ending hunger and empowering women.
Under the research and development category, Shepherd Nyambe was celebrated for impactful research projects focusing on climate action and sustainable energy in Namibia. Kaylah Cordom, the youth ambassador of Afrifoodlinks for the City of Windhoek, received the youth action award for her efforts in transforming urban food systems using hydroponics.
Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School and Superb Children English Academy were also recognised for their contributions to environmental sustainability, highlighting the critical role of educational institutions in fostering a greener future.
Each of the awardees was awarded a cash prize of N$20 000.
‘Audacity of hope’
Environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta told the guests: "Tonight, we celebrate more than just awards. We celebrate the audacity of hope, the power of human ingenuity and the unwavering spirit of Namibia. We stand at a crossroads, one where the fate of our environment, our economy and our very future hangs in the balance. Yet, amidst the challenges, tonight, we gather to witness the brilliance that illuminates the path towards a brighter tomorrow."
Shifeta also paid tribute to late president Hage Geingob.
He highlighted Geingob's instrumental role in embedding sustainability principles in Namibia, such as the Namibia Green Plan of 1992 and the Environmental Management Act of 2007.
"From the visionary constitutional architects of our sustainability laws to the tenacious rural communities safeguarding our wildlife, pioneers of circular economies, and young minds leading the charge for climate action – each of you is a beacon of inspiration," Shifeta said.
The event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Bank Windhoek, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Gondwana, the Rössing Foundation, UNDP and the National Arts Council of Namibia.
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