BY GORDON LUANDROW
Vice President of Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU), Namibia
It has never been lost on me, or on many Namibians, that China has a long history of friendship with the people of Namibia, dating back to our struggle against colonialism and oppression. The relationship was forged during one of the darkest chapters in our history, long before Namibia gained its independence.
As someone who grew up in post-apartheid Namibia, in a home where history was valued and often discussed, my earliest impression of China was shaped by that legacy. I came to know China as a country that stood in solidarity with oppressed people and supported Namibia during its fight for freedom.
Over the years, the relationship between the People’s Republic of China and Namibia has continued to grow through cooperation in areas such as mining, infrastructure, healthcare, science and technology. Like many of Namibia’s longstanding friends, including Cuba and Russia, China has also invested in developing Namibia’s human capital by providing scholarships, training opportunities and support for education and healthcare.
At the same time, Namibia understands its responsibility as a nation that emerged from colonial rule to stand with people who continue to face oppression and injustice around the world. The commitment to speak truth to power, uphold justice and reject imperialism is a value that Namibia shares with China. It is this shared history and common outlook that make continued engagement on global governance both relevant and necessary.
Global governance is rooted in the understanding that no country, institution or international organization can solve today’s challenges alone. Issues such as climate change, food insecurity, inequality and global economic instability demand collective action, shared responsibility and meaningful cooperation.
That cooperation should not be limited to governments and diplomats. It must also extend to people‑to‑ people exchanges that encourage cultural understanding, knowledge-sharing and collaboration across borders. These connections strengthen relationships, build trust and create opportunities for innovation and mutual growth.
Having the opportunity to visit China has reinforced many of these reflections. It has shown me that global governance is not simply an abstract concept discussed in international forums. It is reflected in the partnerships countries build, the knowledge they exchange and the shared commitment to addressing challenges that affect us all. For countries like Namibia and China, whose relationship is rooted in history and strengthened by cooperation, global governance offers a pathway to deepen that partnership while contributing to a more stable, equitable and interconnected world.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.