Namibia National Commission for UNESCO Holds Assembly on Education Leadership

Namibia National Commission for UNESCO Holds Assembly on Education Leadership. The Namibia National Commission for UNESCO, under the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, convened its Annual General Assembly (AGA) on 29 September 2025 at the Mecure Hotel in Windhoek.

This year’s gathering focused on the 2024/25 Global Education Monitoring Report (GEMR), titled “Leadership in Education: Lead for Learning.” The report stresses the central role of leadership in shaping education outcomes, while also exploring the broader influence of social, cultural, and governance factors on learning systems worldwide.

The AGA served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the Commission’s recent achievements, review ongoing initiatives, and discuss future priorities. Key discussions centred on how Namibia can strengthen educational leadership at all levels, from classrooms to national policy-making, to improve learning outcomes and advance the country’s development goals.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, emphasised that leadership in education is not restricted to senior officials or policymakers. “It is reflected in the dedication of teachers, the commitment of school leaders, the enthusiasm of learners, and the support of communities,” she said, underlining the shared responsibility required to drive progress.

Following her remarks, Minister Steenkamp officially opened the General Assembly for panel discussions, paving the way for robust exchanges among education leaders, experts, and partners. The dialogue highlighted the need for inclusive, innovative, and accountable approaches to leadership that can respond to Namibia’s unique education challenges while aligning with global best practices.

The assembly reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission of promoting education as a foundation for sustainable development and strengthening leadership as a key driver of learning transformation.