Education Transformation Summit Consultations Launched in South Sudan

In partnership with the United Nations Development System in South Sudan, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction launched the National Consultations in preparation for the Education Transformation Summit.

Recognizing that education is a human right and a foundation for peace, tolerance, and sustainable development, the UN Secretary-General announced in his report to the UN General Assembly on ‘Our Common Agenda’ his intention to convene a Transforming Education Summit in September 2022. The Summit will mobilize action, ambition, solidarity, and solutions to transform education between now and 2030

“Education statistics from the Ministry of Education demonstrate that more boys are in school than girls. We need to look at ways of improving teaching, learning, and access for a friendly, safe, and equal environment for girls and boys,” said Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development System in South Sudan.

The Summit provides an opportunity to mobilize greater political ambition, commitment, and action to reverse the slide in quality education and accelerate progress towards targets under the Decade of Action and the 2030 Agenda. The Government of South Sudan will conduct national consultations for an inclusive, multi sectoral dialogues and meaningful stakeholders' engagement.

This action supports the preparation of South Sudan’s National Statements of Commitments to inform the Secretary General’s summit in September 2022. The Consultations will help develop a shared vision, commitment, and alignment of action across stakeholders with a focus on innovative solutions, policy, planning, and budgetary changes needed to transform education for the people of South Sudan.

“These consultations are unique in South Sudan, bringing together all education stakeholders, including pupils, secondary school students, lecturers, teachers, Ministry of Education officials, and the UN, among others, to discuss the improvement of education. This is a rare opportunity, and we must all commit to the course” said Hon. Minister Awut Deng Achuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction. 

The Consultations will focus on actions that can accelerate progress on education as part of the 2030 Agenda and transform education to be inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy. The consultations will solicit National commitments to transform education and greater public engagement from all education stakeholders in South Sudan.

“Education is a right that every child must enjoy, however, many are left out due to lack of financial resources and unfriendly learning environment. The government and stakeholders should put in place a conducive environment for all children, girls, and boys, to learn, lead, decide and thrive” stressed Madeline, a senior four student.

The consultations will help to enhance greater momentum in advance of the September Summit and a shared understanding as to the key elements of transforming education to inform the SG’s Summit Summary and Call to Action