By Yiep Joseph
Government and Plan International have jointly launched a five-year strategy for 2025-2030, which prioritizes youth empowerment.
The country strategy addresses critical needs in several key areas: inclusive quality education, protection from violence, youth leadership and economic empowerment, and core humanitarian scale-up.
This comprehensive strategy aims to reach five million beneficiaries by 2030, including two million women, 1.6 million children and young people aged 0-24, and 1.4 million girls and young women.
Addressing participants during the launch on Wednesday, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the strategy is being initiated at a timely moment when the country is focused on sustainable development.
“This strategy comes at a critical time when our country is focusing on sustainable development and resilience, especially in the areas of child welfare, gender equality, and food security,” Abdelbagi said.
As he officially launched the policy on behalf of the government, Minister Abdelbagi reaffirmed full support for the strategy, emphasizing its alignment with the national agenda.
“This is a strategy we will fully support, as it speaks directly to our national agenda of building a just, inclusive society where no one is left behind,” he expressed.
He added that the South Sudan government in general, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in particular, remain committed to ensuring that Plan International implements its policy in the best interest of the people.
On his part, Paul Lusato, Country Director for Plan International South Sudan, outlined the key areas covered by the Country Strategy.
The Country Director highlighted strategic priorities such as inclusive quality education, protection from violence, youth leadership and economic empowerment, humanitarian scale-up, and cross-border programming.
He emphasized the crucial need for youth empowerment, stating that young people represent both the present and the future.
“Young people are not just the future; they are the present. We will invest in skill development, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities,” Lusato said.
He called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the policy. “Together, we can turn aspirations into action and challenges into success,” he concluded.
Stephen Kueth Gach, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), affirmed that the relevant institutions remain committed to working hand-in-hand with Plan International for the successful implementation of the policy.
He applauded Plan International for their efforts and continuous assistance to the people of South Sudan and the humanitarian sector in particular.
Angella Muriithi, Director of the Sub-region (Middle East, Northern Africa, and the Horn) for Plan International, expressed that the launch symbolizes a collective vision for a better South Sudan.
“Today, we are doing more than just launching a strategic framework; we are actually reaffirming, together with all of you, our collective vision for a South Sudan,” Muriithi said.
“I am happy to be here for the official launch of Plan International South Sudan’s Country Strategy for 2025 to 2030. It is my first time to visit South Sudan, and I am absolutely delighted,” she added.
She urged the government and all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that the dreams and aspirations of children, youth, and women are transformed into reality.