“Our hope is in the way we talk. In the way we still get up each day and say, ‘I will try again’.”
With those words, local poet Raja Charity captured the resilient spirit of her peers at the recent celebration of International Youth Day at the Youth Empowerment Hub in Juba.
Supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the event highlighted the critical role of youth peacebuilding in South Sudan. Young people from diverse background gathered to address shared challenges and champion a future built on unity rather than division.
Uniting Under a Shared Vision
The event centered around the local theme, “Different Contexts. Common Aspirations.” This message holds powerful relevance in a nation where past conflicts have often fragmented communities.
During a dedicated Peace Circle hosted by Radio Miraya, participants engaged in open dialogue about their shared struggles and future dreams. The gathering demonstrated that despite differing backgrounds, the desire for lasting peace remains universal among the younger generation.
Central Equatoria State Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport, Bush Buse, served as the guest of honor and emphasized the need for collective identity:
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A Call for Unity: “Let us be one and speak one language. Let us become one people,” Minister Buse urged.
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Youthful and Useful: Highlighting the rising challenges of gang violence, he reminded attendees that young citizens are “not just youthful, but useful,” urging them to take active responsibility for community safety.
Overcoming Intergenerational Conflict
A central topic during the discussions was the urgent need to end political manipulation by older generations—a phenomenon local leaders referred to as “uncle-ization.”
Civil Society Representative Edmund Yakani delivered a direct message to the youth regarding political exploitation:
“If you are not convinced of a positive outcome, do not attach yourself to any political objective. In the end, it is you who can choose to accept or reject invitations of our elders to continue a path of conflict or join the movement of peace.”
Empowering the Next Generation
The connection between youth empowerment and national stability remains vital. As Christopher Murenga, Head of the UNMISS Juba Field Office, noted:
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Empowering young people and fostering sustainable peace must go hand in hand.
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Supporting young leaders creates a foundation for long-term national recovery.
Driven by inspiring performances and frank discussions, participants left the event with a renewed commitment to collaborative youth peacebuilding in South Sudan. As Charity’s closing words reminded everyone in attendance: “Our story begins today. Let’s rise up.”
