Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on Namibians to strengthen national resilience and preparedness in the face of natural and human-induced disasters. He made the remarks today at the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) commemorated at the UN Plaza in Windhoek
Dr. Ngurare emphasized that disasters should “find the nation ready,” highlighting the importance of risk-informed planning and proactive management to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
He urged that disaster risk reduction efforts be mainstreamed into all national development plans, including the construction of vital infrastructure such as boreholes for people and livestock, as well as robust emergency response systems.
Commending the City of Windhoek Response Team, Namibian Police, and the Namibian Defence Force for their rapid interventions during past emergencies, the Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to UN development partners for their continued collaboration and support.
“Every smile and every tear must move us to act — humanity must remain at the centre of our development agenda,” he said
Delivering a message on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo echoed the call for collective action and multi-sectoral cooperation, noting that a united approach is key to saving lives and reducing disaster risks.
