Let’s unite innovation and tradition – Amupolo
Importance of heritage in sustainable development
The annual Ongwediva Trade Fair gala dinner raised over N$1.3 million in pledges.
Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) CEO Alisa Amupolo says bridging innovation and tradition can pave the way for sustainable development, where progress is not only measured by technological advancements but also by Namibians’s ability to preserve and enhance the richness of their traditions.
Amupolo made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair gala dinner, held on Saturday at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre.
The trade fair will take place from 23 to 31 August under the theme: 'Bridging Tradition and Innovation.'
She emphasised that bridging innovation and tradition is not merely about balancing the old with the new or choosing one over the other.
“It is about honouring our past while embracing the future and finding ways to innovate that are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage,” Amupolo said.
She said that by leveraging heritage and embracing modern advancements without compromising values, Namibians can chart a course for sustainable development that honours their past and inspires their future.
The heritage industry sector
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, about 40% of all tourism is related to cultural and historical travel. This sector generates substantial revenue for governments, supports local economies and creates jobs.
Amupolo said the sector is a substantial part of the global economy and encompasses a wide range of industries, including cultural heritage tourism, museums, performing arts and historical sites.
She said heritage tourism allows citizens to capitalise on models like village experiences, creating a market for participating in cultural festivals, tours of historical towns or cities, and engaging with local traditions and customs.
The construction industry, Amupolo said, requires balancing tradition and innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies with time-tested methods. For instance, adopting new technologies for supply chain management can ensure seamless project execution and capacity to scale, while mentoring the next generation of professionals helps foster innovation and address labour shortages.
Moreover, “traditional arts and crafts are kept alive through innovative techniques and contemporary interpretations. Leveraging traditional crafts and arts through modern platforms can boost economic empowerment. E-commerce sites and social media can provide artisans with global markets for their products, preserving cultural practices while creating economic opportunities,” she added.
Success
The gala dinner attracted pledges of more than N$1.3 million.
MTC, the main sponsor who has been supporting the OATF for the past 15 years, pledged N$380 000, followed by Standard Bank with N$250 000 and First National Bank and Luckybet Namibia with N$150 000 each.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the trade fair has played a vital role in promoting Namibia and the Oshana Region by being a leading trade and exhibition platform in Namibia.
Shalyefu said the event has facilitated networking opportunities among businesses, exposed entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to markets, served as a window of opportunity and career guide for learners, students and youth, and brought government services closer to the people.
During the same event, Oshana governor Elia Irimari launched an OATF competition, where a bull is up for grabs.
Amupolo made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair gala dinner, held on Saturday at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre.
The trade fair will take place from 23 to 31 August under the theme: 'Bridging Tradition and Innovation.'
She emphasised that bridging innovation and tradition is not merely about balancing the old with the new or choosing one over the other.
“It is about honouring our past while embracing the future and finding ways to innovate that are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage,” Amupolo said.
She said that by leveraging heritage and embracing modern advancements without compromising values, Namibians can chart a course for sustainable development that honours their past and inspires their future.
The heritage industry sector
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, about 40% of all tourism is related to cultural and historical travel. This sector generates substantial revenue for governments, supports local economies and creates jobs.
Amupolo said the sector is a substantial part of the global economy and encompasses a wide range of industries, including cultural heritage tourism, museums, performing arts and historical sites.
She said heritage tourism allows citizens to capitalise on models like village experiences, creating a market for participating in cultural festivals, tours of historical towns or cities, and engaging with local traditions and customs.
The construction industry, Amupolo said, requires balancing tradition and innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies with time-tested methods. For instance, adopting new technologies for supply chain management can ensure seamless project execution and capacity to scale, while mentoring the next generation of professionals helps foster innovation and address labour shortages.
Moreover, “traditional arts and crafts are kept alive through innovative techniques and contemporary interpretations. Leveraging traditional crafts and arts through modern platforms can boost economic empowerment. E-commerce sites and social media can provide artisans with global markets for their products, preserving cultural practices while creating economic opportunities,” she added.
Success
The gala dinner attracted pledges of more than N$1.3 million.
MTC, the main sponsor who has been supporting the OATF for the past 15 years, pledged N$380 000, followed by Standard Bank with N$250 000 and First National Bank and Luckybet Namibia with N$150 000 each.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the trade fair has played a vital role in promoting Namibia and the Oshana Region by being a leading trade and exhibition platform in Namibia.
Shalyefu said the event has facilitated networking opportunities among businesses, exposed entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to markets, served as a window of opportunity and career guide for learners, students and youth, and brought government services closer to the people.
During the same event, Oshana governor Elia Irimari launched an OATF competition, where a bull is up for grabs.
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