South Sudan Leaders and UN Officials Urge Strategic Investment in Youth During World Population Day 2025
By Denilson Deneki
Senior government officials and United Nations representatives have called for urgent, sustained investment in South Sudan’s youth, emphasizing that young people are the nation’s most valuable resource and essential to peace, stability, and sustainable development.
The appeal was made at the national observance of World Population Day 2025 in Juba, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the South Sudan Parliamentary Network on Population and Development, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). The event gathered government officials, members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, diplomats, development partners, and youth representatives from across the country.
This year’s global theme — “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World” — framed the discussions, with participants highlighting the critical need for policies that protect youth rights and unlock their full potential.
UN Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs Anita Kiki Gbeho emphasized South Sudan’s youthful demographic, noting that with 38% of the population under 15 and 72% under 30, the country’s future hinges on current investments in young people.
“Young people are not passive beneficiaries of development; they are drivers and agents of change every single day,” Gbeho stated.
She pointed out that South Sudan’s youth navigate a complex landscape marked by humanitarian crises, economic hardships, insecurity, and the ongoing spillover effects from the conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in over 1.2 million refugees in the country.
Gbeho called for accelerated reconciliation efforts and meaningful youth engagement in crafting solutions. She also welcomed legislative progress, such as the Women’s Empowerment Bill, Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bill, and the National Youth Development Policy, which she believes can significantly enhance the rights and opportunities of young South Sudanese.
Hon. Parmena Awerial Aluong, Second Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships and integrating modern technology into youth development programs.
“Our young population faces challenges from inflation and infectious diseases to social and economic pressures. We must leverage the latest technology to support them,” Hon. Aluong affirmed.
He acknowledged the contributions of international partners, including Japan and the Republic of Korea, and called for continued community, civil society, and government collaboration to empower youth.
Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Marial Dongrin underscored the importance of harnessing the “demographic dividend” — the economic growth potential stemming from a large working-age population.
“Realizing these dividends requires deliberate, coordinated, and sustained action,” he emphasized.
He outlined priorities such as expanding access to quality education, investing in vocational training, strengthening healthcare systems, and creating economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth. Dr. Dongrin stressed that these efforts should be data-driven and supported by international partners, including Singapore, Norway, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom.
The event concluded with a unified call to:
– Prioritize youth investments as a strategic national goal
– Pass youth-centered legislation without delay
– Strengthen partnerships to create tangible opportunities for young people
As Gbeho summarized, “We stand with the young people and their hopes for a stable future — a future where every individual can shape their destiny in a peaceful and hopeful world, where no one is left behind.”
