The Vice President for the Gender and Youth Cluster, H.E. Mama Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, has called for a renewed focus on youth empowerment to drive South Sudan’s future.
Her remarks came during the opening of the first National Youth Consultative Planning Workshop, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports with funding from UNFPA under the theme, “A Platform for Youth to Actively Engage in the Planning Processes of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.”
In her address, Nyandeng highlighted the importance of youth empowerment in shaping a stable and prosperous South Sudan. She urged all citizens to prioritize youth empowerment, emphasizing that young people are the country’s future leaders. “Youth empowerment is not just a tool but the strength needed to steer South Sudan forward,” she stated.
Nyandeng encouraged the youth to prioritize education as a pathway to employment and self-reliance, stressing that education is essential for success.
She also urged young people to explore opportunities in agriculture, business, poultry farming, and other income-generating activities that can support their families and contribute to national development. She highlighted sports as a significant avenue for building resilience, discipline, and peace among South Sudan’s youth.
The Vice President reassured attendees that her office, alongside the Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNFPA, will work together to help young people achieve their goals. She emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering youth to become proactive contributors to the country’s peace and progress.
Hon. Joseph Geng Akech, National Minister of Youth and Sports, echoed the Vice President’s call, underscoring the Ministry’s mandate to involve youth in developmental activities and address their unique challenges.
He encouraged participants to view the consultative workshop as a valuable platform to share ideas and propose solutions to pressing issues facing South Sudanese youth.
Geng expressed concern that over 72% of the country’s youth face challenges related to unemployment, substance abuse, and lack of engagement.
He called on young people to shift their focus away from distractions like card games and substance abuse and to instead channel their energy into productive activities that contribute to nation-building.
He also announced the launch of a Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which will support youth-led sports, business, and peacebuilding initiatives.
The two-day consultative workshop, which began on Thursday, brought together youth leaders, government officials, and representatives from civil society to discuss ideas, challenges, and potential pathways for youth involvement in South Sudan’s development.
