Samarkand: Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to advancing inclusive education, innovation, and cultural cooperation as foundations for sustainable development and peace. In her statement at the 43rd Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Steenkamp emphasized the centrality of quality and equitable education to Namibia's Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
According to Namibia Press Agency, Steenkamp expressed Namibia's view of Unesco as a beacon of multilateralism and international cooperation. "Our commitment to Unesco and to the multilateral system remains firm and enduring," the minister stated. She commended Unesco's efforts in strengthening the teaching profession, highlighting the inaugural World Summit on Teachers and the adoption of the Santiago Consensus as pivotal to global teacher development.
Steenkamp announced plans for government-subsidised tertiary education from 2026, which will include free registration and tuition fees. She also mentioned the upgrading of vocational training centres into specialised Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges. "These reforms aim to expand access, close skills gaps, and align training with the demands of a rapidly changing labour market, particularly for our youth, who represent the energy and promise of our future," she said.
In science and innovation, Namibia supports Unesco's initiatives under the UN Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, with commitments to advancing research in climate resilience, water management, and renewable energy. Steenkamp welcomed the global Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the forthcoming Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology, describing them as vital steps in ensuring technological progress serves humanity with fairness and dignity.
On cultural matters, the minister emphasized the role of creative industries in job creation and social cohesion. She added that Namibia looks forward to the MONDIACULT 2025 Declaration and Unesco's continued leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive cultural policies. The 43rd Unesco General Conference is being held from 30 October to 13 November under the theme 'What is Unesco's Mandate for Tomorrow?'