By Sabri Dibaco
South Sudanese journalist and media advocate Majak Kuany Alier has earned international recognition after being ranked among the top five global recipients of the prestigious Social Impact Award presented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The award was officially handed over during a ceremony held at the JICA office in Juba, marking a proud moment not only for Majak personally but also for South Sudan’s growing media and civil society sector.
Majak emerged from a highly competitive global selection process that attracted more than 3,000 participants from different countries around the world. According to JICA officials, the process involved extensive evaluations, online interviews, and assessments of post-program community impact before narrowing the finalists down to just five outstanding individuals globally.
The selected recipients came from South Sudan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking during the ceremony, JICA’s Chief of Cooperation, Shin, described Majak’s achievement as an exemplary demonstration of how knowledge and leadership can create meaningful social transformation within communities.
“This achievement, demonstrated through post-program implementation, has been highly recognised as an exemplary case showcasing the outcomes of the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program,” Shin said.
Majak, who currently serves as the secretary general of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, said the recognition represents both an honour and a responsibility to continue serving communities through impactful journalism, youth engagement, and social advocacy.
“I am deeply grateful to the Japan International Cooperation Agency for their continued engagement and follow-up on the K-CC program. It is an immense honour to stand as one of only five recipients globally to receive this prestigious Social Impact Award,” Majak said.
“The award compels me to do more to improve the social lives of the South Sudanese people,” he added.
Over the years, Majak Kuany Alier has become a respected voice in South Sudan’s media landscape, championing professional journalism, community awareness, youth empowerment, and social accountability. His work has consistently focused on using media as a tool for peacebuilding, development, and public engagement.
The recognition by JICA highlights the increasing contribution of South Sudanese journalists in promoting positive change and amplifying community voices despite ongoing challenges facing the media industry.
For many young professionals in South Sudan, Majak’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder that dedication, leadership, and service to society can gain recognition far beyond national borders.
As South Sudan continues to build stronger institutions and empower its young leaders, stories like Majak Kuany Alier’s reflect a new generation committed to transforming communities through knowledge, resilience, and impactful leadership.