SWAKOPMUND, June 19 – Hundreds of young leaders, youth activists and representatives from affiliated youth organizations have gathered in Swakopmund for the 3rd General Assembly of the National Youth Council of Namibia. The assembly serves as the highest decision-making platform of the council, bringing together delegates from across the country to deliberate on youth development, governance, leadership and the future direction of youth empowerment initiatives in Namibia.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on Namibia’s youth to embrace leadership, unity, and active participation in national development as she officially opened the 3rd General Assembly of the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYCN) at the Swakopmund Multipurpose Centre in the Erongo Region.
Addressing delegates, youth leaders, government officials, and stakeholders gathered for the Assembly, Witbooi conveyed warm greetings from President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who extended her best wishes for a successful and productive gathering.
The Vice President underscored the critical role of the National Youth Council of Namibia, established under the National Youth Council Act of 2009, in coordinating youth organisations, championing youth development, and empowering Namibians between the ages of 16 and 35.
“The youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but active participants in shaping Namibia today,” she said, emphasizing that young people remain central to the country’s development agenda.
Witbooi noted that with approximately 71 percent of Namibia’s population under the age of 35, the country possesses a significant demographic advantage that can drive economic growth and social transformation. However, she acknowledged that youth unemployment continues to be one of the nation’s greatest challenges.
She highlighted government interventions aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people, including free higher education, work-integrated learning programmes, vocational training initiatives, and the National Youth Development Fund, which supports youth-owned small and medium enterprises.
The Vice President further pointed to targets outlined in the National Development Plan Six (NDP6), which seeks to increase youth employment and reduce the number of young people who are not in employment, education, or training by 2030.
As delegates prepare to elect a new leadership team that will guide the Council for the next four years, Witbooi urged participants to uphold democratic principles and respect the outcomes of the electoral process.
“Support for elected leaders is essential for maintaining unity, stability, and peace within the youth movement,” she said.
She also commended the Interim Board of the NYCN for its commitment and dedication in steering the Council during the transition period and expressed confidence that the Assembly would elect visionary leaders capable of advancing the aspirations of Namibia’s youth.
Concluding her remarks, Witbooi wished the delegates fruitful deliberations and officially declared the 3rd General Assembly of the National Youth Council of Namibia open.
The General Assembly brings together youth representatives from across the country to deliberate on key issues affecting young people and to chart the future direction of youth development in Namibia.
