Namibian delegates explore governance, early-warning practices in Shanghai

During discussions with representatives of the CPPCC Shanghai Committee, the delegates asked how long proposals typically take to receive responses, how members are held accountable, and how public participation is encouraged.

They learned that some issues can be addressed in as little as one month, while proposals are generally required to be processed within one year. Before recommendations are submitted to government departments, views are gathered from different groups, discussed with relevant parties, and refined through consultation.

Officials also highlighted efforts to engage groups such as delivery workers, an emerging social group in Shanghai whose perspectives are regarded as important to the city's future development.

George Sankwasa Mubita, manager of strategy and organisational performance at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management and head of the delegation, said China's governance system had produced tangible results and offered useful lessons for other countries.

"China has used its own traditions and values to develop a modern system that works for its people," he said. "That gives us hope that we can also develop systems suited to our own countries."

Mubita said he was particularly interested in how China turns development strategies into concrete results, including how policies are formulated, monitored, and evaluated, and how long-term plans are effectively implemented.

Later, at the Shanghai Meteorological Museum, the delegation learned about the city's history of weather observation, forecasting, and public early warning services.

They were introduced to China Meteorological Administration (CMA)'s MAZU solution, a joint action for the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative, to build an early warning service network and to share practical experience and technological achievements with global partners.