OSHAKATI: The United Nations (UN) General Assembly 55th plenary meeting of the 78th season on Wednesday observed a moment of silence in honour of President Hage Geingob, who died on Sunday in Windhoek.

He was aged 82.

In his remarks, UN President Dennis Francis said President Geingob was a towering figure in Namibian history and politics, and a beacon of leadership on the African continent.

Francis indicated that Geingob’s avocation for sustainable development and renewable energy earned admiration and respect on the world stage, a vision that extends well beyond his country’s borders.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that democracy, self-determination, and human rights for all animated the life and work of President Geingob.

‘As we pay tribute to the memory of President Geingob, we should commit to honouring the values that Geingob stood for, by fighting racism, misogyny and injustice and by standing up for human rights. At the same time, by working to build a more equal world, in
which no one is left behind,’ he said.

The UN, he said, will continue its strong friendship with Namibia to build a more equal world for all. A world of dignity, and human rights, he concluded.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield United States Representative to the UN, stated that President Geingob helped liberate Namibia from the chains of colonialism and apartheid, overseeing the drafting of the country’s new constitution, working, as Prime Minister and then President, to reduce economic inequality, widen the social safety net, improve public health, and fight against climate change.

‘It is notable – though unsurprising – that President Geingob died as he lived: with transparency and courageous vulnerability,’ she said.

She indicated that President Geingob was a freedom fighter, a respected leader, an African icon, and was also a farmer. He believed in the power of farmers to fight food insecurity and lift entire communities.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency