New Permanent Representative of Malta Presents Credentials
The new Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations, Pendapala Andreas Naanda, officially presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today. Naanda, who has been in this role since September 8, 2025, brings a wealth of experience from various diplomatic positions. His extensive career includes significant roles within Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Trade, as well as previous appointments at the UN in Geneva and New York.
Career Overview
Ambassador Pendapala Andreas Naanda has had a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service. Before his current role at the United Nations, he served as the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade from January 1, 2021, until September 5, 2025. This position allowed him to oversee critical accounting functions and contribute to Namibia’s international relations strategy. His experience also includes serving as Namibia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, where he represented the country at various international organizations, including the World Trade Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Naanda’s diplomatic journey began in earnest when he was appointed as the Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation in October 2015. He held the position of Deputy Permanent Representative at Namibia’s mission to the UN in New York from September 2013 to October 2015. His earlier roles include serving as First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Namibia to the United Nations Office at Vienna from August 2006 to January 2010.
Educational Background
Ambassador Naanda’s educational qualifications are impressive and reflect his commitment to public service. He earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, completing his studies between 1997 and 1998. Earlier, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, United States, in 1992. This solid educational foundation has equipped him with the skills necessary for his various roles in government and international diplomacy.
Early Career and Personal Life
Naanda’s career began with a brief stint as a teacher before transitioning into public service. He worked in the Office of the Prime Minister from October 1992 to October 1994, followed by a position at the High Commission of Namibia to South Africa from January 1996 to October 1999. Throughout his career, he has held several key positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Personal Assistant to the Minister and Deputy Director of Accreditation, Privileges, and Immunities. He also contributed to the Office of the President’s Cabinet Secretariat from April to December 2005.
Born on May 11, 1966, Naanda is married to Abigail and is a father of three. His family life complements his professional commitments, reflecting a balance between personal and public responsibilities. As he embarks on this new chapter as Namibia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, his extensive experience and dedication to international relations will be pivotal in advancing Namibia’s interests on the global stage.
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