Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA’S growing role in global water governance was highlighted this week when President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received a courtesy visit from senior leaders of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), following the recent relocation of the organisation’s headquarters and legal seat to Windhoek. The visit reinforced Namibia’s position as an emerging centre for international water diplomacy and cooperation.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted GWPO Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary Alex Simalabwi, alongside Pablo Bereciartua, Argentina’s Minister of Infrastructure for Buenos Aires Province and Chair of the organisation, as well as members of the GWPO Board.
The meeting follows the official inauguration of the organisation’s headquarters at the UN House in Windhoek on 23 May 2026, a development regarded as a significant milestone for both Namibia and the global water sector.
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Photos: Namibian Presidency
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The Global Water Partnership Organisation is a multi-stakeholder international network focused on strengthening water governance and promoting climate-resilient investments to support sustainable and equitable development.
During the meeting, President Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Namibia as the host country of the organisation’s global headquarters.
She emphasised that water remains a national priority and a critical driver of sustainable development, while reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to supporting the organisation as it expands its global operations from Windhoek.
Bereciartua thanked the Government and people of Namibia for their support, describing the relocation of the headquarters as a historic milestone in the organisation’s 30-year history.
He noted that the organisation operates in nearly 180 countries through more than 75 national partnerships and a network of over 3,000 member organisations.
According to Bereciartua, the organisation now proudly embraces its identity as both a global and Namibian institution, reflecting its growing connection to the country.
He also commended President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership in advancing climate resilience and gender-responsive investment initiatives.
Bereciartua further outlined the organisation’s intention to work closely with Namibia on several strategic priorities, including transboundary water cooperation in the Okavango and Zambezi river basins, resource mobilisation for the Kunene Region, the expansion of rural water and sanitation services, and the development of innovative large-scale projects such as desalination linked to energy and food production systems.
The visit underscores Namibia’s increasing prominence in international water governance and highlights opportunities for greater collaboration on water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the region.
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