South Sudan Celebrates International Youth Day, Emphasizing Digital Pathways for Development
By Fuli Dickens Isaac
South Sudan marked International Youth Day, joining the global community in commemorating the event under the theme “From Click to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” The celebration, organized by the National Ministry of Youth and Sports with support from UNDP and UNFPA, aimed to highlight the significance of digital innovation for young people in the country.
Hon. Joseph Akech, the National Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the importance of creating a positive narrative for youth to foster peace and unity through digitalization in South Sudan. He encouraged young individuals to leverage digital tools for promoting harmony among communities, emphasizing the role of sports and education in building bridges across diverse backgrounds and affiliations.
Minister Akech outlined plans for collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of ICT to transition youths from analog to digital technology, advocating for a peaceful and united future facilitated by technological advancements.
Dr. Gillian Butt Ganeth, UNFPA South Sudan Program Specialist in Midwifery, reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to supporting South Sudanese youth in becoming creators who can drive digital transformation and empower communities through business opportunities, information access, and job creation in both rural and urban areas. She urged young people to enhance their computer literacy skills to access information digitally on a global scale.
Taban Paride, Chairperson of the South Sudan National Youth Union, called upon youth to contribute to the greening and cleaning of Juba by planting more trees. He further advocated for increased government support for sports activities across all regions to foster peace and unity among young individuals. Paride stressed the necessity of education in combating gang activities and urged the parliament to expedite the passing of a Youth Bill to enhance youth engagement in social services across South Sudan.
The International Youth Day celebration featured students from various schools sharing their perspectives on the vital role of young people in nation-building and the importance of empowering youth for a prosperous and harmonious future in South Sudan.
