The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has implored young people to act as nation-builders, problem solvers and innovators driving sustainable development.

Dr Steenkamp made the call as Namibia joined the world, commemorating International Youth Day in Keetmanshoop.

Youth from all over the country marched through the streets of Keetmanshoop to signal the International Youth Day commemoration, celebrating the creativity, energy and leadership of young people worldwide.

Themed 'Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnership', the day also recognised the young people's contributions to building a better future through innovation, community action and the courage to drive change.

“This country of ours needs you; don’t ever forget that. It is my fervent wish, and I call on all of us in Namibia to build a Namibia where different contexts do not determine different possibilities a Namibia where technology opens doors and partnerships expand opportunities,” stressed Dr Steenkamp.

UNICEF Deputy Representative Toshiko Takahashi said the young generation has the potential to accelerate the country's economic growth.

“Young people are not only beneficiaries of development; they are active partners in the construction of Namibia and the world.”

The Junior Mayor of Keetmanshoop, Lluweln Rooi, highlighted that young people are essential to shaping inclusive policies, solving socio-economic problems and fostering democratic accountability.

“All of us play a role in the betterment of our youth. Not only those with the titles, whether they are a little boy playing in the streets or a 13-year-old in the office. If all of us play our part, we can make our Namibia a stronghold for youth development.”

The International Youth Day also saw the official launch of the Namibia Learning Passport, a digital learning platform.