Phoenix Project leader made Honorary Consul

The leader of Cardiff University’s Phoenix Project has been made Namibia’s Honorary Consul in Wales.

Professor Judith Hall was granted the honour at the Namibian Embassy in London.

The Phoenix Project works with the University of Namibia to reduce poverty, promote health and support the environment.

Professor Hall’s responsibilities will include developing Namibia’s relations with Wales.

The unpaid role will particularly focus on her areas of expertise such as higher education, innovation and business.

It was granted by Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for International Relations and Co-operation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and conferred by Namibian High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Steve Vemunavi Katjiuanjo.

Professor Hall said: “What an honour it is for me to represent one fantastic country in another fantastic country. I will do my very best to see what I can do to help us all.”

Highlights of the Phoenix Project’s work in Namibia include:

• educating doctors and nurses to look after the sickest of patients during operations,
• creating a vibrant, successful software sector,
• supporting national culture and languages,
• enabling the police and ambulance services to save lives in road traffic collisions.

Professor Hall recently attended a special reception with the Duke of Cambridge to celebrate UK-Namibia relations.