A youth-led organization in South Sudan has urged the transitional government to prioritize passing legislation aimed at empowering young people.
Markaz Al Salam (MAS), based in Juba, made the call Friday during an International Youth Day event organized by the group with funding from Norwegian People’s Aid and support from the national Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Florence Agiba, MAS executive director, said the government should expedite key bills, including the Youth National Development Policy, Student Support Fund Bill, Women and Youth Enterprise Fund Bill, and Youth and Sports Bill.
She called for increased investment in youth development, emphasizing that education, vocational training and economic empowerment are crucial to unlocking young people’s potential.
“We call for robust partnerships between government institutions, civil society organizations and development partners to support youth-focused initiatives,” Florence said. Such collaborations, she added, would advance U.N. Sustainable Development Goals on quality education, economic growth and global partnerships.
Florence also thanked older advocates who have championed youth rights in South Sudan.
Anita Kiki, the U.N. deputy special representative for South Sudan, stressed the need for greater investment in education, health and economic opportunities for young people.
“South Sudan, however, is still facing tensions and instability in several regions,” Kiki said. “Its young people are navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain world.”
She urged youth to engage in peacebuilding amid economic, climate and security crises.
Joseph Geng Akec, South Sudan’s youth and sports minister, encouraged young people to pursue education and reject violence.
“Education is not only a paper degree — it is also the values to respect one another,” Akec said. “Today, we have also seen that others may point to us that we are a young country.”
He called for unity, saying: “As we sing, as South Sudanese celebrate together, we shun violence.”