The transitional unity government has been called on to increase budget allocation to the education sector if it is to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Mohamed Abchir, the Country Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said on Monday during a celebration of International Youth Day in Juba, that they are ready to collaborate with the government to improve access to education for the future generation of the country.
“Let us envision a future where every young person can thrive, explore, create, and innovate, a future where youth are not just passengers on the journey to sustainable development but spearheading, steering us to a better South Sudan,” said Abchir.
Gillian Garnet, the Program Specialist for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said that the integration of digital technologies creates potential for accelerating sustainable development.
“Our youth are not only consumers of technology, they are also creators and innovators, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible, every young person regardless of where they live or their background deserves the chance to participate fully in our digital future,” said Garnet.
Garnet revealed that over 70 percent of the population in the country is young, adding that this youthful population is the driving force behind innovation and also agents of change in either urban centers or remote communities.
Joseph Geng Akech, the Minister of Youth and Sports said that they are working to provide opportunity to young people, adding that action is needed from both government and partners to achieve progress.
“We are now focusing on nation-building and this requires that we build institutions to encourage youth economic empowerment,” said Akech.
The International Youth Day marked annually on August 12 was celebrated in South Sudan with support from UNFPA under the theme; “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.
