South Sudan Youth Called to Lead the Country’s Second Liberation Through Peace, Education, and Agriculture
By Denilson Deneki
South Sudan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Aketch, has urged young people to spearhead the country’s “second liberation”—this time through education, peace, and unity—during celebrations marking International Youth Day held on Friday at Rock City Playing Ground. The event was organized by Shabab Le Shabab in partnership with the National Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Addressing a lively crowd of youth, civil society leaders, and international partners, Dr. Geng emphasized that the future of South Sudan hinges on its youth, who comprise the majority of the population.
“Some may call it the second liberation—it is about embracing education, values, and unity so that South Sudan can prosper,” he stated to the audience.
UN Resident Coordinator Anita Kiki Gbeho praised local youth for their efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted the importance of youth engagement in peacebuilding, economic empowerment, and innovation, especially as South Sudan faces ongoing humanitarian, political, and environmental challenges.
“By investing in their education, health, and economic empowerment, we unlock one of the most powerful drivers of social progress—youth,” she said.
The organization Markaz Al Salam (MAS), supported by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), underscored the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in promoting peace, conflict resolution, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Their statement emphasized that youth are not passive observers but active architects of progress, demonstrating resilience amid conflict, poverty, and limited opportunities.
MAS called for the swift passage of key youth-focused legislation, including:
1. Student Support Fund Bill – to provide financial assistance to students, increasing access to education (aligning with SDGs 3, 4, 5, 16).
2. Women and Youth Enterprise Fund Bill – to facilitate loans for women and youth entrepreneurs to start or expand businesses (supporting SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 12).
3. Youth National Development Policy – to establish a clear framework for youth development.
4. Sports and Youth Bill – to bolster sports development and youth organizational structures (promoting SDGs 4, 8, 11, 17).
The organization called for increased investment in youth development, stronger partnerships, and strategic collaborations among government bodies, civil society, and development partners to create meaningful opportunities and harness youth potential.
“As we observe International Youth Day, MAS reaffirms its commitment to empowering young people and amplifying their voices,” the statement concluded.
Development partners including UNDP, UNFPA, NPA, and RISD also pledged ongoing support for youth initiatives across South Sudan, emphasizing education, skills development, and peaceful civic engagement.
Across the nation, young people continue to demonstrate resilience and determination, rising to meet contemporary challenges with courage, creativity, and conviction—shaping the future of South Sudan.
