Buddy Bear makes Namibian debut
Celebrating 35 years of German-Namibian relations and 25 years of the Berlin–Windhoek Partnership
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner will inaugurate the Berlin Buddy Bear in front of the German Embassy in Windhoek on Friday afternoon.This ceremony marks the celebrations of 35 years of German-Namibian relations and 25 years of the Berlin–Windhoek city partnership.
Buddy Bear symbolises the friendship between Germany and Namibia.
Buddy Bear is a sculpture that represents friendship, optimism and unity. Originating in Berlin, it has now travelled to Windhoek with a single purpose – to promote tolerance and understanding between our people and cultures. The bear, named after Albert the Bear, is also the official mascot of the German capital, which has proudly partnered with Windhoek for 25 years.
The Namibian artist Rui Bernard Steenkamp, a student at the College of the Arts, designed Buddy Bear. His artwork reflects key moments of German-Namibian solidarity. Rui won a competition organised by the Embassy in March and will be present at the inauguration.
Through close cooperation between governments and private stakeholders, the partnership has flourished across diverse fields, including economic development, arts and culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The German Embassy extends its sincere thanks to Sanlam|Allianz for providing the space for Buddy Bear.