Namibia will send a 50-person delegation to this year’s Conference of Parties (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates, an official has revealed.
The delegation will be led by President Hage Geingob and will comprise members from both the private and public sectors.
The development comes as companies handed over sponsorships that totalled N$1.8 million to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
“Generous sponsorships from prominent Namibian entities, including Bank Windhoek (N$300,000), Capricorn Foundation (N$200,000), Namibian Agronomic Board (N$600,000), RMB Namibia (N$200,000), Ninety One Namibia (N$100,000), Climate Fund Managers (N$100,000),” said Manager Corporate Communications Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF), Lot Ndamanomhata.
He further explained that NASRIA, Standard Bank and Namibre contributed N$50,000 each while UNDP contributed N$20,000, and Cranmore Partners N$182,943 to make Namibia’s pavilion a reality.
“These sponsorships empower the Namibian delegation to actively participate in negotiations, share best practices, and reaffirm its dedication to climate action. Beyond enhancing Namibia’s visibility, these contributions play a pivotal role in shaping the global climate agenda,” he said.
According to the Environmental Commissioner in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Timoteus Mufeti, the pavilion will serve as a crucial centre for the exchange of knowledge, promoting collaborations, and presenting cutting-edge solutions.
Taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, COP is an annual global gathering where countries discuss and negotiate climate change policies. It’s crucial for fostering international cooperation and setting collective goals to address climate challenges.