Unesco Namibia

In today's digital environment, hate speech can spread rapidly across platforms, amplified by social media, algorithms and emerging technologies. Its impacts extend beyond the online sphere, undermining social cohesion, inclusion and human rights.

UNESCO promotes media and information literacy and works with governments, educators, researchers, media professionals and digital platforms to address hate speech through a human rights-based approach that safeguards freedom of expression. From supporting education responses and policy development to advancing information integrity and digital citizenship, UNESCO helps strengthen resilience to hate speech and harmful content.

Countering hate speech requires more than moderation and regulation alone. It also requires prevention, education and empowering people to engage critically and meaningfully with information.

On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, is launching a new issue brief on Media and Information Literacy to counter hate speech in the digital age.

🔗 Read more: https://unes.co/1f5ycy

Healthy land stores water, supports biodiversity and underpins food security. But as droughts become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world, pressure on both ecosystems and communities is increasing.

On the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, UNESCO highlights the importance of science and international cooperation in helping countries better understand, monitor and manage their water resources. Through its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, UNESCO supports efforts to address drought and water scarcity through knowledge, data and shared expertise.

Read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/desertification-drought-combat

📻 Day 1 of the Community Media Policy Launch Programme Underway in Okakarara

The three-day Community Media Policy Launch Programme officially commenced today in Okakarara, implemented by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) in partnership with UNESCO, bringing together community broadcasters, government institutions, regulators, academic institutions and development partners to discuss the future of community media in Namibia.

Day one focused on funding opportunities, governance, regulatory compliance, and strengthening collaboration across the sector. Participants shared experiences and explored ways to build a more sustainable and resilient community media landscape.

The programme continues tomorrow with capacity-building sessions, while the official launch of the Community Media Policy (2026–2030) will take place on Friday, 19 June 2026, by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Emma Theofelus.

The engagement is being attended by representatives from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), UNESCO, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), Telecom Namibia, the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Deutsche Welle Akademie (DW Akademie), the Namibia Community Broadcasters’ Network (NCBN), the University of Namibia (UNAM), the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and community radio stations.

Join UNESCO on 18 June for the launch of the new Issue Brief “Media and Information Literacy: Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age during the webinar:

“Countering Hate Speech in the Digital Age: Promoting Information Integrity and Resilient Societies”
📅 18 June 2026
🕐 13:30–15:00 CEST
🔗 Register: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RmmOuj6OQ1O10SkETpVldw

📢 Publication Out Now: Namibia National Outlook on Indigenous and Local Knowledge of Biodiversity

The National ILK Outlook, commissioned by UNESCO and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and implemented by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), provides a baseline assessment of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in Namibia. It examines the documentation, status, and mainstreaming of ILK in national biodiversity policies and plans, forming part of UNESCO’s global LINKS Programme and supporting the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

🌐 Read the full Namibia National Outlook here: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000397800

Indigenous Peoples and local communities in Namibia remain central to biodiversity stewardship 🌱. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, underpins the conservation and sustainable management of land, water, and natural resources across diverse ecosystems. Yet, ILK remains under-documented, fragmented, and not fully integrated into national biodiversity strategies.

This publication was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), and the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, with guidance and contributions from UNESCO, Namibia University of Science and Technology - NUST, University of Namibia (UNAM), the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology - NCRST, and Indigenous communities from across Namibia.

🌍 Climate action depends on access to reliable and accurate information.

UNESCO has launched a new Diplomatic Toolkit under the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change (GIIICC). The Toolkit supports diplomatic, civil society, academic and development partner engagement in addressing misinformation and disinformation related to climate change, and provides a consolidated reference for field offices and stakeholders.

📘 Access the Toolkit:https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2026/06/DiplomaticToolkit_GFIICC_v4.pdf

UNESCO also highlights the upcoming Showcase Event in support of the Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change, taking place on:

📅 15 June 2026
🕒 15:00 – 16:15 (CEST)
📍 World Conference Center, Bonn (Room Bonn)
🌐 Online streaming: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/365291724100807?p=WA0twVqm6TrqsWW7Er

The event, titled “Strengthening information integrity on climate change: from COP30 to COP31 and beyond”, will bring together Member States, international organizations, civil society and experts to review progress, share implementation milestones, and mobilize action towards COP31 and beyond.