A youth policy dissemination campaign aimed at increasing awareness and implementation of South Sudan’s National Youth Development Policy was launched on Tuesday in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
The campaign, organized by Markaz Al Salam in collaboration with Action for Community Transformation Initiative South Sudan (ACTI) and the Yei River County Youth Association, with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), was held under the theme: “Youth Policy Unveiled: From Paper to the People.”
Speaking at the launch, ACTI South Sudan Executive Director Muto Emmanuel said the initiative seeks to equip young people with knowledge about the policy and encourage their participation in leadership and community development.
He said the policy provides guidance for addressing challenges facing youth and outlines opportunities for young people to engage in governance and development initiatives across South Sudan.
Florence Agiba, Executive Director of Markaz Al-Salam, called for greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes and development efforts. She also emphasized NPA’s continued commitment to supporting youth empowerment and peacebuilding initiatives across the community.
“Young people are not spectators in nation-building. They are leaders, innovators, peacebuilders and drivers of transformation,” Agiba said.
She said the National Youth Development Policy would only become meaningful if it is understood, embraced and implemented at the community level.
“That is why this engagement matters,” she added. “We are here to strengthen collaboration, build accountability and create practical pathways for implementation.”
Gaga Frank, chairperson of the Yei River County Youth Association, urged young people to take ownership of the policy and use it to advocate for their rights and participation in leadership.
He said the policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of youth in government and communities and provides a framework for youth empowerment and support.
The event brought together youth leaders, civil society representatives and government officials to promote awareness and practical understanding of the national youth policy.
Organizers said the campaign is expected to help bridge the gap between policy and practice by ensuring that young people in Yei River County are informed, engaged and empowered.
South Sudan officially adopted its first National Youth Development Policy in March 2026 after years of consultations and advocacy by youth groups, civil society organizations and government institutions.
The policy was passed by parliament in October 2025 and aims to increase youth participation in governance, employment, peacebuilding and national development.
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