South Sudan Calls on Youth to Lead in Building a Secure Future

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The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Network on Population and Development at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has made a powerful call for peace and security among the youth of South Sudan. Majur, who leads the initiative, emphasized the critical role of unity among the nation’s young people during a two-day validation workshop focused on the National Strategy on Youth, Peace, and Security, which commenced on Tuesday. The event was organized by AfriYAN South Sudan in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The workshop brought together members of Parliament from various sectors, including education, security, health, peace, and business, as well as state ministers from across the country. In his opening remarks, Majur highlighted that over 72% of South Sudan’s population comprises youth, underscoring the need for effective legislation to promote peace and unity among diverse ethnic groups.

“Our role as legislators is to implement policies that empower youth and foster security throughout the states of South Sudan,” Majur stated. He urged the Ministries of Youth and Sports, as well as Peacebuilding, to collaborate with partners to establish laws that prioritize the protection of youth and their roles in nurturing peace.

The Chairperson also stressed the importance of gender equality in education and employment to combat issues such as early child marriage, aiming to cultivate an environment conducive to peace and security.

Emmanuel Kuku, Program Manager at AfriYAN South Sudan, acknowledged the workshop as a significant advancement in empowering the nation’s youth. He remarked, “In a country marked by conflict, the role of youth in promoting peace and reconciliation cannot be understated. Their energy and creativity are crucial for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

Shruti Upadhyay, Gender Specialist at UNFPA South Sudan, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that most conflicts in the country are linked to youth involvement. She called for the National Strategy for Change to prioritize engaging more young people, especially those from rural areas, in peacebuilding efforts.

Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, Deputy Country Representative (OIC) of UN Women South Sudan, also spoke at the workshop, revealing that 73.6% of the population are youth, with 84% of young women facing significant barriers. She reiterated the urgency for inclusive peacebuilding approaches that empower all youth, particularly young women.

UN Women has notably supported initiatives such as the Youth Peace Ambassadors program, which encourages youth leadership in peace and climate resilience, along with economic empowerment projects reaching over 1,050 young participants across the nation.

As the workshop concluded, the collective sentiment underscored a pivotal point: South Sudan’s future hinges on the empowerment and engagement of its youth, who are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but active architects of today’s reality. The call for unity, security, and inclusive participation in peacebuilding resonates as a necessary step toward a more harmonious South Sudan.

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