In a compelling and hopeful address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency Josephine Lagu Yanga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairperson of the Service Delivery Cluster, delivered a bold message of peace, climate resilience, and global solidarity on behalf of her nation.
Speaking under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” Vice President Lagu reaffirmed South Sudan’s enduring commitment to multilateral cooperation, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“South Sudan will not be defined by the shadows of its past, but by the promise of its future a future of peace, dignity, unity, development and opportunity for all,” she said.
Vice President Lagu highlighted South Sudan’s journey from decades of conflict to a fragile but steady peace. Since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018.
“The peace has held for seven years. Refugees are returning. Institutions are being built. And we remain committed to dialogue, accountability, and democratic transition,” she stated.
Vice President Lagu also addressed recent security tensions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the rule of law and due process. She reaffirmed that no political ambition should jeopardize peace or the constitutional order.
Despite contributing the least to global emissions, South Sudan is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing recurrent floods, prolonged droughts, and mass displacement. Vice President Lagu called on developed nations to honor climate finance commitments and support vulnerable nations in adapting to the harsh realities of a changing environment.
“Climate injustice must not be ignored. South Sudan needs access to climate finance, technology, and green investment to ensure resilience and sustainability,” she urged.
South Sudan is implementing bold initiatives, including national campaign to plant 100 million trees by 2030, expansion of renewable energy and water infrastructure and mainstreaming of gender and youth inclusion in environmental policies.
These efforts align with South Sudan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Vice President Lagu acknowledged the deep challenges South Sudan inherited at independence lack of infrastructure, widespread poverty, and weak state institutions.
“South Sudan is transitioning from humanitarian aid to development. We are building the foundations of a resilient state and empowering our youth and women to lead the way forward.”
She also urged the international community to support debt relief and increase contributions to the International Development Association (IDA21) to empower fragile states.
South Sudan appealed for the removal of targeted sanctions and the arms embargo, which hinder national stabilization efforts. She called for support for constitutional reform, civic education, and free and fair elections in 2026 and renewed dialogue with armed hold-out groups through the Tumaini Peace Initiative.
Lagu acknowledged the deep interconnection between South Sudan and Sudan, calling for peaceful resolution of outstanding issues like the final status of Abyei and border demarcation. She also noted South Sudan’s humanitarian leadership in hosting Sudanese refugees and integrating them into local economies through land access and agricultural support.
In her closing remarks, Vice President Josephine Lagu called on the world to remember the founding ideals of the United Nations unity, shared purpose, and collective action.
“The world is better when we work together. South Sudan may be young, but our commitment to global peace, climate resilience, and human dignity is unwavering. We stand ready to contribute to a better world, not just for ourselves, but for all.”
