South Sudan’s Youth Demand a Greater Voice in Building Peace and Shaping the Nation’s Future
As the country seeks lasting stability, young leaders are calling for stronger inclusion in governance, peacebuilding, and economic development.
JUBA, South Sudan — A growing movement among South Sudan’s youth is calling for greater representation in national decision-making, arguing that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without the active participation of the country’s largest demographic group.
That message resonated throughout the Third Annual Convention of the Central Equatoria State Youth Union, where more than 150 delegates, government officials, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and development partners gathered under the theme: “Youth are the Lead Actors for Sustainable Peace and Development.”
The three-day convention became more than a routine gathering. It served as a platform for young South Sudanese to discuss their role in overcoming years of conflict, political divisions, economic hardship, and social fragmentation that have challenged the world’s youngest nation since its independence.
“We must rise above communal differences to successfully claim our rightful place in building peace, unity, and democracy,” said newly elected Youth Union Chairperson, Aggrey Duku Arcangelo, reflecting the aspirations of a generation eager to move beyond the divisions of the past.
Throughout the forum, speakers emphasized that South Sudan’s future depends heavily on empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship, technology, and civic engagement.
Religious leaders urged youth to reject violence and become ambassadors of reconciliation. Government representatives reaffirmed commitments to expanding opportunities through vocational training, education, and digital innovation, while stressing the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
A key theme that emerged during the discussions was the importance of gender inclusion. Leaders argued that empowering young women is essential to achieving long-term peace, economic growth, and social transformation across South Sudan’s communities.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also reinforced the need for youth participation at every level of society. Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to expand civic and political spaces, allowing young people to contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention, mediation, and community cohesion.
Participants further explored how technology can become a powerful tool for national development. Beyond communication, digital platforms were highlighted as instruments for job creation, entrepreneurship, combating misinformation, and fostering constructive public dialogue.
Closing the convention, Vice President James Wani Igga challenged young people to lead by example, urging them to place national interests above personal, ethnic, or political considerations.
The gathering concluded with the election of a new executive leadership team and renewed commitments to strengthening youth engagement in governance, peacebuilding, and economic development.
As South Sudan continues its journey toward stability, the convention underscored a growing reality: the country’s future will largely be shaped by whether its young people are viewed not merely as beneficiaries of peace, but as architects of it
