News & Updates

A Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism: UN Tourism Secretary-General to Deliver Public Lecture in Namibia

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) will host a prominent public lecture on sustainable tourism. The lecture, presented by Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Auditorium 1 on NUST’s Lower Campus. The event will bring together tourism leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore the future of sustainable tourism, centered around the theme: “Sustainable Tourism: Harnessing Technology, Inclusion, and Heritage for a Resilient Future.”

This keynote lecture comes at a critical time when global tourism stakeholders are rethinking investment strategies, inclusivity, and technological adaptation in response to shifting market demands and sustainability imperatives. Mr. Pololikashvili’s address will offer insights into the evolving role of tourism in economic development, conservation, and digital transformation.

The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion on the Namibia Tourism Investment Roadmap, which aims to provide an in-depth exploration of investment opportunities and strategic directions for the country’s tourism sector. Moderated by Dr. Erling Kavita, Executive Director for Academic Development, Support, and Satellite Campuses at NUST, the panel will feature key industry voices, including:
• Dr. Nangula Uaandja, CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)
• Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Director for Africa, UN Tourism
• Mr. Ally Karaerua, Chairperson of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (Fenata)
• Mr. Zebulon Chicalu, CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)
• Mr. Kwakye Donkor, CEO of African Tourism Partners

The session will engage participants in discussions on Namibia’s competitive positioning as a tourism investment hub, sustainable infrastructure development, and the role of partnerships in driving sector resilience. The event will conclude with a closing remark from H.E. Albertus Aochamub, Namibia’s Ambassador to Spain and UN Tourism (UN Tourism).
This public lecture serves as a significant platform to align Namibia’s tourism agenda with global best practices, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth, heritage preservation, and digital innovation.