Ministry of Youth and Sports Engages with Mastercard Foundation and Partners to Empower South Sudan’s Youth
By Denilson Denike
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, held a meeting on Wednesday with representatives from Mastercard Foundation, KPMG, and Dynamics Consulting to discuss strategies for enhancing youth access to markets, entrepreneurship, and job creation in South Sudan.
The meeting was a crucial step in the Ministry’s efforts to implement its strategic plan, which aims to empower and mobilize the country’s youth to actively participate in the development and peacebuilding of their nation.
The Ministry’s strategic plan focuses on key areas such as agriculture, climate change, and the digital economy, all of which are aligned with the national vision and the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the meeting, the representatives from Mastercard Foundation and its partners expressed their interest and support for the Ministry’s strategic plan.
They commended Minister Joseph Geng Akech for his leadership and vision and shared their experiences and best practices from other countries where they have successfully implemented similar programs to support youth empowerment and skills development.
In response, Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech expressed his gratitude to Mastercard Foundation and its partners for their eagerness to support the youth of South Sudan. He appreciated their valuable insights and suggestions and urged them to consider the sports sector as another avenue for youth engagement and talent development, as well as a tool for social cohesion and national unity.
Both the Minister and the representatives agreed to continue the dialogue and collaboration to identify the most suitable and effective ways of implementing youth empowerment programs in South Sudan. They also emphasized the importance of involving other relevant stakeholders, such as the National Youth Union, the State Ministries of Youth and Sports, and the private sector, in the process.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mastercard Foundation, KPMG, and Dynamics Consulting. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in South Sudan’s efforts to empower its youth and create opportunities for their future success.
