The University of Namibia's 2026 annual cultural festival has officially commenced.
The event highlights the importance of preserving the rich cultural diversity, heritage, and togetherness that define Namibia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the government has made the creative industry a national priority.
This is through the newly established National Culture and Creatives Industry Council.
"While our government has continuously evolved its strategies, now focusing intensely on the final lap of Vision 2030, through our six National Development Plans, the foundation of our structural intervention in cultural preservation and industrial growth traces its heritage to the foundation of anything before. It was through the strategic foresight of the entity's foreign development programme that Namibia explicitly recognised that culture and creative industries are not mere hobbies but are economic interests."
UNAM Vice Chancellor Kenneth Matengu said that culture fosters a strong sense of belonging and builds bridges across different cultures and traditions that must be valued, protected and preserved.
"Education empowers us, while culture reminds us that we are part of the something bigger than ourselves. When education empowers an individual and culture unites a community, we create a stronger institution of more voices in society and a more capable nation. Let us therefore continue to promote excellency without losing our humanity, embracing diversity without losing our unity, and pursuing progress without losing sight of our heritage."
The Student Representative Council's President, Enrico Goseb.
"As you stand proudly on your own identity, remember to leave room for somebody to proudly be in theirs too. Because there is beauty in who you are, but there is a greater beauty in being secure enough in who you are and appreciating who someone else is. So as we officially open the UNAM Cultural Festival 2026, I want you to put the stress aside for now. Start by participating, celebrate, learn, and love."
The youth are urged to promote and innovate cultural norms through films, agriculture and youth empowerment, and to learn and connect other cultures and traditions.