By Hilja Shikongo

The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, has called on the young people to step into leadership spaces with confidence and purpose, reminding them that they belong “at the high table” in decision-making and nation-building.
 

Speaking at the International Youth Day celebrations at the Jetu Jama NAMCOL Centre in Windhoek on Tuesday, Ballotti said youth participation should be more than symbolic, stressing that future events must see leaders and young people sharing equal spaces.
“I look forward to attending events in the future where leaders and young people eat the same food and at the same table,” Ballotti told the audience, drawing applause from the crowd of students, youth leaders, and community members.
This year’s International Youth Day was marked under a vibrant atmosphere, with the venue alive with colour, music, and cultural performances. The parade that kicked off the celebrations set the tone for a day dedicated to showcasing the power, creativity, and voice of young Namibians.
 

The event drew representatives from the National Youth Council of Namibia, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Commonwealth Youth Council, all delivering messages of encouragement for young people to lead in their communities and beyond.
 

Ballotti, urged the youth to push for representation in spaces where decisions about their future are made. He challenged young people to claim leadership roles not just in politics but across all sectors, from entrepreneurship to arts and innovation.
“Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today. We must create opportunities, but you must also step forward and take them,” he said.
 

The Deputy Minister also stressed the need for partnerships between youth and government structures, noting that sustainable development requires intergenerational collaboration.
 

The celebration was not only about speeches but also about unity and cultural pride. Traditional dance groups, spoken word artists, and youth performers took to the stage, reminding attendees of the diversity and talent Namibia’s youth have to offer.
Representatives from partner organisations echoed the theme of inclusion. UNFPA’s message focused on empowering young people to make informed decisions about their lives, while the Commonwealth Youth Council highlighted the importance of youth advocacy in shaping fairer, more inclusive societies.
 

As the event came to a close, the energy remained high a reflection of a generation determined to be seen, heard, and counted.
“This is not just about celebrating youth once a year,” Ballotti reminded the crowd. “It is about ensuring that young people are part of the conversations, the solutions, and the leadership every day.”
International Youth Day 2025 was a colourful reminder that Namibia’s future is in the hands of a bold, creative, and visionary youth ready to claim their place at the table both literally and figuratively.