Unam Ongwediva campus hosts engineering conference

The University of Namibia (Unam) Jose Eduardo dos Santos Campus in Ongwediva is hosting its first-ever, three-day international engineering conference on sustainable emerging innovation and technological advancements (Unam-IEC-2024).The conference is themed ‘Promoting Sustainable Innovation and Technology Development for Namibia’s Future.’Acting executive director of the higher education ministry Lisho Mundia, who officiated the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, described the conference as a defining event for Namibia, as they collectively lay the foundation for engineering and scientific innovation that addresses national, regional, and global challenges with deliberate focus and strategic vision.The conference is scheduled for 2 to 4 December.Development goals Mundia said Namibia’s path to sustainable development is tied to the strength of its engineering and scientific capabilities.He said engineering and scientific research, driven by deliberate investment in research and development, are "the engines that propel economies, enable industrialisation, ensure resource sustainability and drive social progress. Sustainable mining and green mining practices, for example, offer profound opportunities to transform one of Namibia’s most critical sectors."Mundia said through rigorous research and development (R&D), the industry can pioneer technologies that not only extract minerals more efficiently but also rehabilitate mining sites, manage waste effectively, and minimise emissions.Local priorities He highlighted the importance of prioritising the beneficiation and value addition of Namibia’s mineral resources, stating that the country cannot afford to remain an exporter of raw materials.“We must transition into a nation that processes and adds value to its resources, creating jobs, building expertise, and retaining wealth within our borders."The associate dean of the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Petrina Johannes, said engineering is not merely about solving problems, it is about creating futures.Johannes said the conference serves as a forum for critical thinking, robust discussion and transformative collaboration aiming to address challenges such as high unemployment, energy insecurity, underdeveloped manufacturing, and water scarcity while fostering economic diversification and social well-being.

Unam Ongwediva campus hosts engineering conference

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Unam Ongwediva campus hosts engineering conference

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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