Marianne Young

Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

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11th June 2015 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

Celebrating the Queen’s Birthday in Namibia

Thank you to all of you who joined us for our fantastic Queen’s Birthday Party in Windhoek yesterday. We were delighted to welcome to our traditional British garden party Namibian Speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi and eight government ministers (ranging from Environment & Tourism, to Mines & Energy, Defence, Higher Education, Sport and Poverty Eradication), in […]

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25th March 2015 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

The Land of the Brave turns 25

Namibia celebrated its Silver Jubilee this weekend – marking 25 years since it gained its independence from South Africa’s former Apartheid regime. It was a historic and joyous occasion for all Namibians. This significant birthday event also coincided with the inauguration of the country’s third democratically elected President. This provided an additional reason to celebrate. […]

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6th March 2015 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

Making it happen for International Women’s Day in Namibia

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Make It Happen”. Yesterday, I had the privilege to celebrate it in the presence of a group of impressive Namibian women who have all made it happen in their respective fields of diplomacy, financial services, media, human rights advocacy and government. Joining me for a special […]

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16th October 2014 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

Addressing gender violence and inequality in Namibia

“There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.”   – U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON Addressing gender violence and inequality in Namibia The promotion and protection of women’s rights is more than a moral obligation.  It is enshrined in international human rights law. The […]

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18th September 2014 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

Caprivi connections

Last month I was fortunate enough to travel up to the extreme north east of Namibia to visit the Zambezi Region and catch up with some innovative UK-funded conservation and tourism projects taking place there. The region gained its new name in August 2013 but is still probably better known internationally by its former name: […]

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10th June 2014 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

#Timetoact on Sexual Violence

Today sees the start of a ground-breaking summit in London to address the continuing scourge of sexual violence in conflict. More than 1,200 delegates, including government officials, international organisations, civil society and international experts are expected to attend the event to help spearhead growing international momentum to halt the use of rape and sexual violence […]

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2nd April 2014 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

Royal Naval backdrop helps showcase British security and prosperity excellence in Namibia

This week’s 3-day visit of HMS Portland – one of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates – to the port of Walvis Bay provided a great opportunity to showcase British military, security and prosperity excellence in Namibia as well as the UK’s diversity accomplishments. As the UK’s first female British High Commissioner to […]

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6th March 2014 Windhoek, Namibia

Marianne Young

by Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

UN International Women’s Day 2014 – Guest Blog on Gender Based Violence by Yolande Engelbrecht, Legal Assistance Centre (LAC)

08 March is the 103rd UN International Women’s Day (IWD).  Protection of women’s rights is one of six key human rights priorities for the UK. The FCO has made strong statements on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and on sexual violence in conflict. The UK is hosting a Global Summit to End Sexual Violence […]

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About Marianne Young

Marianne Young is the current British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia. She arrived in Windhoek in June 2011 and presented her credentials to the President of the Republic of…

Marianne Young is the current British High Commissioner to the
Republic of Namibia. She arrived in Windhoek in June 2011 and presented
her credentials to the President of the Republic of Namibia on 3rd
August.
Mrs Young joined the FCO in 2001 following a career in international
journalism, including time spent running an Asian maritime press office
in Singapore and a traineeship on the UK’s Times newspaper.
Her first role in the FCO was as a Press Officer in News Department,
after which she went on to be Head of the Great Lakes Section in Africa
Directorate and then Head of the East Africa & Horn Section.
In 2005, she became the first Head of Communications for the Engaging with the Islamic World Group.
She moved to the British High Commission in Pretoria in February 2007
and served as the Head of the External Political Section and Deputy
High Commissioner to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland.
Mrs Young moved across to the British High Commission in Windhoek in
June 2011, and presented her credentials to the President of the
Republic of Namibia on 3rd August 2011.
On her appointment as British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, Mrs Young said:
“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed Her Majesty’s High
Commissioner to Namibia. I look forward to working to strengthen the
many commercial, political and cultural ties between our two countries,
and to help the many British nationals who holiday there. My family and I
are particularly thrilled to be remaining in southern Africa – and to
have the opportunity to explore this beautiful country further and
discover more about its people and culture.”
Curriculum vitae

Full name:
Marianne Young

Married to:
Barry Young

Children:
Two daughters and one son

 
June 2011
Windhoek, British High Commissioner

2007 – 2011
 
Pretoria, Head of External Political Section and DHC for the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland

2005 – 2006
FCO, Head of Communications, Engaging with the Islamic World Group

2004 – 2005
FCO, Head of East Africa & Horn Section, Africa Directorate

3/2003 – 8/2003
FCO, Head of Great Lakes Section, Africa Directorate

2002 – 2003
FCO, Press Officer, Press Office

2001 – 2002
FCO, Departmental Report Editor, Press Office

2001
Joined FCO

2000-2001
Senior Correspondent, Fairplay Group, UK

1995-2000
Staff Editor and then Asia Editor, Fairplay Group Singapore

1994-1995
Graduate Trainee at The Times newspaper, UK

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