South Sudanese Students in India: A Call for Nation Building
January 6, 2026
On the evening of March 3, 2025, a significant step forward was taken for the young people of our nation. The leadership of the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) convened a high-level consultative meeting with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and key UN agencies in Juba. With representatives from UN Headquarters, the UNDP, UNESCO, and UNFPA present, the dialogue moved beyond standard diplomacy to concrete action. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was a strategic alignment to ensure that the voices of South Sudanese youth are not just heard, but are central to the UN’s development agenda for the coming year.
The discussions were deep and wide-ranging, exploring the specific hurdles that young people in South Sudan face today. The SSNYU presented a clear, solution-oriented approach, moving away from merely listing problems to proposing viable pathways for development.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need for Youth Empowerment through a variety of sectors. We discussed the vital importance of Entrepreneurship as a driver for economic independence, alongside robust programs for Sexual Reproductive Health. Recognizing the shifting global landscape, the agenda also prioritized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Cybersecurity ensuring our youth are equipped for the digital age. Furthermore, Agriculture was identified as a key pillar for sustainability, while Peace Building Initiatives and Juvenile Reformation programs were tabled to ensure social cohesion.
The leadership of the SSNYU made it clear that partnership requires tangible commitment. Mr. Taban Paride Lokasmoi, Chairperson of the SSNYU, emphasized that for these initiatives to succeed, we need strong, reliable collaborations.
He called upon the UN Agencies to look beyond high-level policy and ensure that funding for youth activities reaches where it is needed most—from the National level down to the grassroots. This approach ensures that resources do not just stay in offices but impact the lives of young men and women in their communities. The focus is on Exchange Visits and Experience Sharing, allowing our youth to learn from one another and build a unified front for development.
The response from our partners was encouraging. Mr. Jay Bahadur Shah, the Associate Outreach and Resource Mobilization Officer, and Mr. Ignacio Trabadela Robles, the Development Coordination and Partnership Officer of the UN RCO, acknowledged the indispensable role of youth in stabilizing and growing South Sudan. They pledged to prioritize youth activities in this year’s UN programs, signaling a shift towards more inclusive development strategies.
The meeting concluded with a clear homework assignment: The SSNYU leadership is tasked with drafting a comprehensive Summary of South Sudanese Youth Priorities. This document, to be delivered to the UN Resident Coordinator’s office by Tuesday, will serve as the blueprint for our joint efforts. We are moving from discussion to documentation, and soon, to implementation.
