On 18 September 2025, Her Excellency Ms. Lucia Swaartbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, delivered the keynote address at the Ecology Custodianship Day held at N/a’nkuse Lodge in the Khomas Region. This landmark event welcomed distinguished guests from Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Malaysia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, underscoring a collective commitment to shared ecological and cultural values.
In her address, Vice President Swaartbooi emphasized Namibia’s dedication as a committed UNESCO Member State to the critical role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in cultural preservation, biodiversity conservation, ecological resilience, health, and sustainable development. She highlighted that these ancient systems remain urgently relevant today by offering valuable insights into coexistence and conservation, which should be integrated into modern governance frameworks.
Ms. Lovisa Immanuel, Director of Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, delivered remarks on behalf of Honourable Minister Sanet L. Steenkamp. She reinforced the significance of Indigenous Knowledge Ecology Custodianship Day as an important step in recognising, safeguarding, and incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Namibia’s national development agenda. Ms. Immanuel further announced that the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Policy is in its final review stage, reflecting inclusive consultations with Indigenous communities nationwide under the leadership of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology.
The Honourable Minister also praised the Namibia University of Science and Technology for its innovative, transdisciplinary hosting of this initiative through the UNESCO Chair in Digital Technology Design with Indigenous People. This Chair exemplifies how Indigenous knowledge can be embedded within academic scholarship and digital innovation, ensuring Indigenous voices not only participate but also shape strategic direction.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Gernot Piepmeyer, Secretary-General of the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO. He extended gratitude to the elders, local hosts from Nhoma to Epupa, and the travelling communities, as well as heartfelt appreciation to Vice President Swaartbooi and Honourable Minister Steenkamp for their presence and high-level support, which bestowed both recognition and encouragement on this important gathering.
