South Sudanese Students in India: A Call for Nation Building
January 6, 2026
In a significant step towards empowering the youth of South Sudan, the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU), in collaboration with Markaz Al Salam and supported by NPA, successfully concluded a high-level one-day workshop on the National Youth Bodies Bill. This event marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing advocacy for independent and robust youth legislation in the country.
The primary aim of this consultative workshop was to gather critical inputs and technical amendments for the draft bill. This follows a successful advocacy campaign led by the SSNYU a few months ago, where youth leaders urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to conduct wider consultations and, crucially, to separate the National Youth Bodies Bill from the Sports Bill.
This separation is a major victory for youth advocacy. It ensures that the governance and empowerment of young people are treated as a distinct, priority issue, separate from sports administration. True to their resolve to prioritize youth demands, the Ministry of Youth and Sports worked tirelessly to revise the document, resulting in a standalone bill that directly addresses the needs of the youth.
The workshop served as a unique platform for dialogue, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
Youth Leaders from across the states
Members of Parliament (R-TNLA)
Civil Society Representatives
This inclusive approach ensures that the bill reflects the diverse voices and aspirations of South Sudan’s young population.
The event was graced by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Agum Daniel Awet. In her address, she reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the youth agenda. She emphasized that the government is dedicated to ensuring young people are adequately supported through clear legal frameworks that foster development and participation.
In his closing remarks, the Chairperson of the South Sudan National Youth Union, Mr. Taban Paride Lokasmoi, expressed deep gratitude to the partners and participants. He issued a strong call to action to the parliamentarians present:
“The youth of South Sudan are ready to lead. We call upon the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to timely pass the National Youth Bodies Bill once it is tabled. This legislation is the foundation for our future.”
The SSNYU extends its heartfelt thanks to Markaz Al Salam and NPA for their steadfast financial and technical support to the young people of South Sudan. The Union also acknowledges the constructive role of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the R-TNLA in championed this legislative reform.
