By Yiep Joseph
Stakeholders are validating National Strategy on Youth, Peace, and Security, to institutionalize South Sudan youth participation in peacebuilding.
Speaking during a two-day national-level validation workshop, Majur Babur, Chairperson of Parliamentary network on population and development in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (NTLA), emphasized the importance of active youth involvement in the peace process.
In the workshop that has brought government officials and partners, Majur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure that the youth, who are the majority, continue to be involved in the peace process.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Kuku, the program manager at AFriYAN South Sudan, said that the document is aimed at increasing effective youth involvement in the peace process in South Sudan.
Kuku added that as South Sudan continues to recover from conflicts, the role of youth in peacebuilding is needed more.
“In a country with a history marked by conflict, the role of youth in promoting peace and reconciliation cannot be understated. Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but they are the architects of our present reality,” Kuku said.
He stressed that the available energy, creativity, and resilience in youth are vital assets that hold the key to a more peaceful and prosperous future for South Sudan.
According to Kuku, the validation of the strategy is a testament to stakeholders’ commitment to creating opportunities for youth to participate meaningfully in peacebuilding efforts.
“By amplifying the voices and agency of our young people, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable peace process that reflects the aspirations and needs of all members of society,” he said.
Dr. Rukaya Muhammad, the Deputy Country Representative of UN Women South Sudan, appreciated the stakeholders for their active participation, adding that the document is vital as the country implements peace.
“Just as UNSCR 1325 helped solidify women’s roles in peacebuilding, this strategy under UNSCR 2250 can ensure that youth have systematic and meaningful representation. When young people are given structured roles, their influence can be transformative locally, nationally, and regionally.” Dr. Rukaya
She promised that the UN would continue to support all initiatives geared toward peacebuilding in South Sudan and the world at large.
“UN Women has been proud to support initiatives that integrate young voices and harness the innovative power of youth,” she said.
Shruti Upadhyay, Gender specialist at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) expressed that the document would allow many youths to take part in the decision-making gear toward peacebuilding.
She expressed that inclusive involvement of young people is vital in peacebuilding in every country.
The two-day validation workshop on national strategy on youth, peace, and security at the TNLA is organized by AfriYan South Sudan and UNFPA.