By Sabri Dibaco
The Azande Globe Conference concluded on a high note with participants reaffirming their commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, innovation, and community development under the theme, “Together We Create, Connect, and Inspire.”
The conference brought together Azande youth, leaders, professionals, government officials, Azande elders, and community members from different parts of South Sudan and the diaspora to discuss opportunities and challenges facing young people and to strengthen unity among the Azande community.
Speaking during the conference, the chairperson of the Azande Supreme Welfare Organisation, Dominic Kango, affirmed that the gathering would become an annual event aimed at creating a lasting platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among Azande youth.
“This conference is not a one-time event; we are committed to making it an annual conference so that every year we can come together to create, connect, and inspire one another,” Kango said.
The chairperson further announced that the next edition of the conference will be hosted in Yambio, calling on young people to begin preparations for an even bigger and more impactful event.
“I am pleased to announce that the next Azande Globe Conference will take place in Yambio. We look forward to welcoming more participants and building on the success we have achieved here,” Kango added.
The chairperson of the organising committee, Eliza Paul, expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the conference.
“On behalf of the Organising Committee, I sincerely thank every participant who travelled from near and far and those online to be part of this conference. Your enthusiasm and commitment made this event fruitful and memorable,” Eliza stated.
She also acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders who provided financial, technical, and logistical support.
“This conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders. We are deeply grateful for your contribution to the success of this gathering,” Eliza noted.
Several youth representatives described the conference as a valuable platform for sharing ideas, building networks, and inspiring the next generation of Azande leaders.
Martin Mborifuko, a youth who was in attendance, expressed his views, citing that he has learned a lot about the Azande.
“The discussions have motivated me to think beyond my limitations and work together for the development of my communities,” Mborifuko said
He challenged the organiser to give more speeches to the youth to express themselves and say what they are facing, rather than just hearing from the elders.
“I am appealing to the organisers of the Azande youth conference to next time give more time for the youth to air out what they are facing in the society and also allow people to ask questions during the conference,” Mborifuko outlined.
Mary Inopai called on the chairperson to increase the days for the conference, as one day is not enough for the youth to express themselves
“The time for the conference is very small; we, as the youth, did not have time to express our opinions, as we only listened and were not able to speak out our minds,” Inopai said.
As the conference came to a close, delegates pledged to continue collaborating on initiatives that promote education, entrepreneurship, innovation, culture, and leadership among Azande youth.
The event ended with renewed calls for unity and active youth participation in community development and a football match between the Azande kingdom and the Shuluk kingdom, as the Shuluk kingdom emerged as the winner of the football, beating the Azande kingdom in a penalty shootout.
Participants looked forward to reconvening in Yambio for the next edition of the Azande Globe Conference.