Youth Envoy calls for political representation of young people

UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake made a strong call for stakeholders to support and amplify young people’s role in the implementation of the peace process.

During her five-day visit to South Sudan in January, the youth envoy said it is important that young people are engaged and represented in the peace process in various roles as they make up more than 70 per cent of the country’s population.

“There should be a little bit more in terms of including them meaningfully, especially young women and girls and young people with disabilities, in this process.”

The UN Youth Envoy called on government and other stakeholders to deliver on five key areas, which consistently came up during her dialogues with young people:

1. Adoption of the National Youth Development Policy
2. Ratification of the African Union Charter on Youth
3. Quality education
4. Ending gender-based violence and child marriage
5. Providing young people the space to engage meaningfully in the peace agreement

Ms. Wickramanayake looks forward to the commitment made by President Salva Kiir to have 20 per cent quota for youth representation in government decision-making. “I hope this would be implemented across party lines and across different levels to give more representation to young people, also in accordance to the peace agreement, to really have young voices heard at the highest level of decision-making,” she said.

During her visit, the Youth Envoy listened to challenges, ideas, and solutions directly from the young people of South Sudan. She also met with partners from the Government, civil society organizations and international donors to strengthen partnership and collaboration on key developmental, humanitarian and peacebuilding initiatives.

“South Sudan is the youngest country in the world with the youngest population. From all the interactions I have had in this role, I can say without hesitation that peace is a pre-condition for young people to thrive and contribute to their country’s growth. As we look forward to the implementation of the peace agreement, I urge leaders to ensure that the environment stays safe and conducive for young people to thrive,” she said.

Undersecretary Kuac Wek Wol of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports also emphasized that implementing peace is the priority for the youth.

“Ending war and conflict will pave the way for the youth to explore their potentials and their talents so they can realize the future that they want,” he said.

Mr. Alain Noudehou, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, reaffirmed UN’s commitment to the development of the young people of South Sudan.

“This generation has grown up mostly in conflict and deserves to experience peace and enjoy services in an inclusive environment,” he said. “The UN Country Team is dedicated to enhancing young people’s participation and leadership in decision-making and ensure protection against gender-based violence.”

During her visit, the Youth Envoy interacted with young people in a Protection of Civilians (POC) site, visited a one-stop center for survivors of gender-based violence in Juba, and a youth skills training project in Torit. She also engaged in dialogues focused on the issues identified in the 2019 South Sudan State of Adolescents and Youth Report; intergenerational dialogues, and a special Town Hall meeting on the youth policy and solutions to tackle the employment gaps in the country.