7 February 2024
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
It is with profound sadness, that we gather here today to mourn the passing of His Excellency President Hage Gottfried Geingob – a towering figure in Namibian history and politics; and, indeed, a beacon of leadership on the African continent.
As the third President of independent Namibia, the legacy of the late President is indelibly etched in the history of his nation’s liberation struggle and the ensuing journey of freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
His remarkable life journey epitomized true resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and equality – while his leadership was characterized by inclusivity, pragmatism, and a deep belief in the power of dialogue and cooperation.
As Chair of the Constituent Assembly, he played a pivotal role in drafting Namibia’s Constitution – thus laying the foundation for a democratic and pluralistic society.
Throughout his tenure as Namibia’s first Prime Minister, and later as President, the late President relentlessly championed the cause of multilateralism here at the United Nations and other fora, in recognition of the importance of international cooperation and understanding in addressing global challenges – a contribution to which we will be eternally grateful.
His impassioned advocacy for sustainable development and renewable energy earned him admiration and respect on the world stage – a vision that extended well beyond his country’s borders, as evidenced by Namibia’s green hydrogen sector.
He will always be remembered for representing Namibia in these very halls, including as a petitioner to the Fourth Committee during the dark days of colonialism – articulating the aspirations of the Namibian people for a free and democratic Namibia, and later, addressing this Assembly as his country’s President on numerous occasions.
As we bid this somber farewell to President Hage Geingob, we must nonetheless take solace in the enduring legacy of his principles and values.
In honouring his memory, let us recommit ourselves to building a future worthy of his discipline and dedication to rebuilding modern Namibia and indeed to multilateralism.
May his great soul rest in eternal peace.
Thank you.