Namibia’s deputy minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, has been nominated for the One Young World Politician of the Year Award 2022.
This is the second year in a row that she has been shortlisted for the award. The award was created to help counter low levels of political engagement and increased disillusionment with political processes that young people are experiencing across the world, this award celebrates the world’s leading young politicians who have infiltrated the old guard of politics.
According to reports, under 2% of young people under the age of 35 are represented in the various parliaments around the world.
Theofelus has been shortlisted alongside a dynamic group of 15 young politicians from across the globe, including Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Iceland’s minister of science, industry, and innovation, and former minister of justice.
One Young World says that these 15 young politicians have all been shortlisted because of the considerable impact they have made to politics.
“The One Young World Politician of the Year Award recognises five of the world’s most outstanding politicians between the ages of 18 – 35, who are using their positions to have a positive impact on young people in their communities and countries. Through their important work, these candidates highlight the benefit of including young people in politics,” the organisation says.
The shortlisted nominees are currently being reviewed by One Young World’s expert judging panel, which will decide the final five winners.
The winners will be announced in mid-March and will be presented with this award at the One Young World 2022 Summit.
“To be nominated and selected two years in a row is surreal! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at this level of public service and grateful for the faith entrusted in me by President Hage Geingob,” Theofelus said.
“Congratulations to all the other incredible young politicians that have been nominated from across the world!”
The nomination comes just a few months after she was recognised in 2021’s BBC’s list of 100 inspiring and influential women.
