By Yiep Joseph
The Central Equatoria State Youth Union (CESYU) has officially announced preparations for its Third State Youth Convention, scheduled to take place in Juba from June 8 to June 10, 2026.
The event will bring together youth leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders from across the state as well as the national government.
Addressing the media on Thursday, the Chairperson of the Steering Committee for CESYU, Joel Lesuk Nelson, confirmed the finalised dates and emphasised the importance of the upcoming convention.
“We are here as a Steering Committee for the Central Equatoria State Youth Union for the third youth convention. We are here purposely to affirm the date, which was initially announced as a tentative date for this highly anticipated youth convention,” Lesuk said.
“Therefore, as a steering committee, we are here proudly to announce the date of this highly anticipated youth convention, which is scheduled to run for three days and will be from 8 to 10 June 2026,” he added
The convention will be held under the theme “Youth are the lead actors for sustainable peace and development” and is designed to inspire, equip, and mobilise young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to take active leadership roles in shaping peace, governance, and development across the state.
“In the light of the above, this year’s convention is basically designed to inspire, equip and mobilise youth who are aged between 18 and 35 years to become leaders of change across the state and the country,” he said
“This convention will feature keynote speakers who will be the panel discussions, and it will also be an opportunity for networking of the Youth people across the state,” he added
CESYU emphasised that the convention will serve as a key platform for strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes and reviewing organisational performance, governance structures, and youth-focused policies on peacebuilding, leadership, and socio-economic development.
Delegates are expected from all counties of Central Equatoria State, including Terekeka, Yei River, Morobo, Lainya, Kajo-Keji, and Juba, as well as Juba City Council and Wunduruba Administrative Payam.
The event will also ensure inclusive participation of youth with disabilities, faith-based youth groups, and civil society organisations.
The Steering Committee has urged young people to maintain unity and constructive engagement before, during, and after the convention.
“We call upon all the youth across Central Equatorial State, particularly the nominated delegates, to continue with constructive engagement among themselves while putting our unity of purpose as sons and daughters of CES above the convention,” he appealed
The three-day convention is expected to host discussions on peace and security, governance, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and community development.
CESYU also called on the Government of Central Equatoria State, development partners, the private sector, and well-wishers to support the event financially, materially, and morally, noting its significance in strengthening youth leadership and institutional development.
In preparation for the 2026 convention, the Government of Central Equatoria State has already approved financial support to facilitate the successful hosting of the event, a move CESYU described as a strong commitment to youth empowerment and participation in governance.
The Steering Committee further welcomed continued support from partners and stakeholders, reaffirming that the convention will play a key role in shaping the future of youth leadership in Central Equatoria State.