Hon. Dino Ballotti, Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts & Culture, officially opened the 2025 AUSC Region 5 Board of Advisors Meeting in Windhoek on November 13. In his remarks, Ballotti praised the cultural performance by guests from Botswana and stressed the importance of empowering regional creatives with intentional support.
Welcoming representatives from Region 5 member states, Ballotti acknowledged key officials, including AUSC’s executive director, committee chairpersons, and sports federation leaders, highlighting the spirit of unity and collaboration that defined recently hosted youth games in Namibia. The Deputy Minister relayed the words of Namibia’s President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who underscored sport’s transformative power in building nations and empowering youth.
Ballotti emphasized that sport is a top national priority for Namibia, recognizing its role in uniting communities, driving economic opportunities, and aligning with continental goals like the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He called on the Board of Advisors to strategically steer regional sports development and urged member states to implement policies that leverage sport as an engine for youth empowerment and the regional economy.
He also celebrated regional achievements in gender equity by congratulating the fifteen women from Region 5 named among Africa’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Sport, declaring “female is now” for inclusive growth in the sports sector.
Concluding his address, Ballotti reaffirmed Namibia’s dedication to the ideals of the AUSC Region 5 and the African Union’s vision for integration and youth development through sport. With these commitments, he officially declared the meeting open, encouraging renewed purpose and determination across the region.
