WINDHOEK, September 22 — Namibia Heritage Week 2026 was commemorated from September 17 to 18 at the National Museum of Namibia and surrounding historical sites in Windhoek, bringing together more than 200 participants under the theme “Preserving Heritage for Future Generations.”
The two-day programme was co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), Rob Youth Foundation, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), and the National Museum of Namibia.
The event brought together young people, government representatives, heritage institutions and civil society organizations to explore the relationship between heritage preservation, cultural identity and sustainable peace.
Organisers said the programme was based on the recognition that preserving history and cultural heritage can contribute to social integration, intergenerational understanding and peacebuilding.
The first day, held on September 17, featured a Heritage, Culture and Peace Education Programme, which included an introduction to the history of Heritage Week, presentations on the links between peace and heritage, cultural performances and guided tours of the museum and natural sciences exhibitions.
Participants also engaged in discussions on the important role of young people in preserving Namibia’s heritage.
Speaking during the programme, Mr. Elione Calunga, Namibian Branch Manager of HWPL, underscored the importance of youth participation, stating:“Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the custodians of today.”
Mr. Boyson Ngondo, Deputy Director of MEIYSAC-EIAC and Master of Ceremonies, highlighted the responsibility of the present generation to protect the peace and national identity inherited from previous generations.
“The peace achieved by our fore-bearers is central to our national identity, and the current generation holds the responsibility to sustain it for future generations.”
Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of MEIYSAC, made a surprise visit to the programme and encouraged participants to embrace integrity, compassion and care while celebrating Namibia’s cultural diversity.
The second day, September 18, focused on practical youth activities. Participants took part in a 0.8-kilometre Heritage Week Peace Walk, followed by a cleanup campaign around the Independence Memorial Museum, Alte Feste and the National Museum of Namibia.
As part of the programme, participants also created a handprint-painted Namibian flag artwork. The artwork was officially handed over by HWPL to MEIYSAC for display at the National Museum of Namibia as part of the country’s heritage record.
Gabriela Jeronimo, Executive Director of Rob Youth Foundation, said the initiative provided young people with an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their cultural identity and share values that contribute to peaceful communities.
The Namibia programme formed part of global peace activities commemorating the anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit.
During the same period, from September 17 to 19, the Global Youth Peace Program was held in the Republic of Korea under the theme “We Are the Living Heritage.” Young participants from different parts of the world visited historical sites, engaged in cross-cultural dialogue and discussed practical initiatives aimed at promoting peace.
According to HWPL, the organisation had approximately 630,000 members worldwide as of August 2026.
HWPL said individuals and organisations interested in participating in its peace initiatives and international campaigns commemorating the September 18th World Peace Summit, or wishing to become members, can obtain further information through its official website.
