Namibia has sought permission from European nations in its bid to legally sell a stockpile of elephant ivory worth N$166 million, ahead of a crucial vote at the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The conference, scheduled for 24 November to 05 December 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will bring global attention to the debate over ivory trade, conservation, and international cooperation. The proposal is a plea to European countries, many of which have historically opposed any form of ivory trade, to reconsider their stance in light of Namibia's proven success in reducing poaching and managing wildlife sustainably. Namibia's ivory stockpile totals 92,386.52 kilograms, collected primarily through natural elephant deaths and population control amounting to 44,840.78 kg, law enforcement seizures of 46,117.79 kg and 1,427.52 kg of undetermined origin. According Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), the ivory originates exclusively from within national borders and is supported by comprehensive tracking systems. " We urge our European partners to recognize Namibia's achievements in wildlife protection. This proposal is not about commercial exploitation. It is about rewarding responsible conservation," said Hamunyela. "Namibia does not believe in the destruction of its natural resources, which could generate much-needed revenue for wildlife conservation and for communities living alongside wildlife. The proposal seeks permission to allow Namibia to trade in registered stocks of raw ivory (whole tusks and pieces) of Namibian origin, owned by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, for commercial purposes with trading partners that have been verified by the CITES Secretariat as having sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls."