Namibia is joining the world in celebrating World Space Week under the theme "Rocket Revolution".
The annual international celebration highlights the contribution of space science and technology to humanity, particularly in communication, weather forecasting, agriculture, disaster management, navigation and climate monitoring.
European Space Agency astronaut Dr. Matthias Maurer is visiting Namibia to strengthen connections between Namibia and the European scientific and space community while inspiring young people to explore opportunities in science, technology and innovation related to outer space.
During his tour, Maurer will engage with approximately eight thousand learners and students in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Ongwediva and Oshakati.
"The message for you is that every one of you has tremendous potential. You need to have a big dream. If you can dream it, it can come true."
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Sanet Steenkamp, said space science and technology create opportunities that transcend national borders.
Dr. Steenkamp emphasised that space science and technology is an expanding field of opportunity for innovation, education, economic development and regional development.
Delivering her remarks was Deputy Executive Director for Research, Innovation and Training, Dr. Lisho Mundia
"While we are aware that unemployment remains a challenge, we, as your government, are working tirelessly to create a space sector that will benefit our youth, starting with the development of legislation to regulate the industry. And through your ideas, through your creativity, through your determination, you can benefit from the opportunities that we strive to create."
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, Professor Anicia Peters, said Namibia has an important role to play in the global space science community.
"So, as a country, Namibia is very important in the world of space science. We are not just a tiny dot. We have several important space and astronomy initiatives, such as the High Energy Stereoscopic System, or HESS, which contributes to international research into very high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics."
German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Florian Seitz said the exploration and use of space should benefit all countries, regardless of their level of economic or scientific development.
"The exploration and use of space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic and scientific development."