South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The national Ministry of Youth and Sports has urged young people to lead the “second liberation” through education, peace, and unity across the country. Joseph Geng Akech, the Minister of Youth and Sports,
while addressing a vibrant crowd of young people, Akech said the future of South Sudan depends on its youth, who form the majority of the population.
“Anyone might call it the second liberation; it is to embrace education, values, and unity so that South Sudan may prosper,” said Akech during the celebration of International Youth Day held on Friday at Rock City Playing Ground. The event was organised by Shabab Le Shabab in partnership with the National Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, praised local youth for taking action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the country. Gbeho also stated that youth engagement in peacebuilding, economic empowerment, and innovation is crucial, especially as South Sudan navigates 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 for youth,” Gbeho said.
Young people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, rising to meet contemporary challenges with courage, creativity, and conviction in shaping the future of South Sudan.
Markaz Al Salam (MAS), in collaboration with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), stressed the need to support youth-led initiatives in advancing peacebuilding, conflict resolution, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
MAS urged the swift passage of key youth-focused legislation, including the Student Support Fund Bill, Women Enterprise Fund Bill, Youth Enterprise Fund Bill, Youth National Development Policy, and Sports and Youth Bill.
MAS also called for increased investment in youth development, strengthened partnerships, and strategic collaborations with government institutions, civil society, and development partners to create meaningful opportunities and unlock youth potential.
“As we commemorate International Youth Day, MAS reaffirms its commitment to empowering young people and amplifying their voices; youth are not passive observers but active architects of progress, demonstrating resilience in the face of conflict, poverty, and limited opportunities,” it said in a statement.
In South Sudan, development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), and others, have pledged to continue support for youth initiatives, reinforcing the call for education, skills development, and peaceful civic engagement.
