By Alan Clement
Senior Presidential Envoy Adut Kiir has reaffirmed the critical role of the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) in the country’s ongoing journey toward peace, prosperity, and national transformation.
During a high-level engagement with the Union’s leadership in Juba led by its Chairperson, Taban Paride Lokasmoi, the Special Enoy discussed key priorities affecting South Sudan’s young population, with particular focus on youth unemployment and national unity.
During the meeting, Paride emphasized the Union’s readiness to work closely with the Envoy’s office to ensure youth voices are reflected in national policy. “We are encouraged that young people are being represented at this level. The Union stands ready to cooperate fully so that the concerns of youth across the country are effectively attended to,” Paride said.
He also highlighted the growing unemployment crisis facing South Sudan’s youth, calling it one of the most urgent challenges the country must confront. “We cannot talk about peace and stability without addressing the despair caused by joblessness. Youth must be given a stake in the nation’s economy,” Paride said in a statement.
The Union Chairperson further emphasized the need for a unifying vision to galvanize youth across ethnic and regional lines toward a shared goal of building a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan. “The future of this country depends on the energy, vision, and unity of its young people therefore, there is need a common goal that rallies every young South Sudanese behind nation-building,” Paride stressed.
According to the Envoy’s press unit, Adut Kiir, appointed in August as Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, described the Youth Union as a legitimate national partner in shaping South Sudan’s future. “The National Youth Union is not just a symbolic body; it is a strategic institution with the mandate and moral authority to mobilize young people toward peace, productivity, and prosperity,” she stated in a statement according to the Envoy’s press unit.
“We’re encouraged by the openness of the Envoy’s office. The Union stands ready to support the government in ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but also acted upon,” Mr. Paride concluded.