Six YALI fellows attending an International Symposium in South Africa. (Photo: Courtesy).

Six South Sudanese who are Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) traveled to South Africa to attend an International Symposium on Climate Change and Governance.

The event, which will also discuss issues affecting young people, is taking place in Johannesburg city.

South Sudan delegation will joint delegations from 49 countries for the seven-day symposium which begins on Monday.

The team members are Joseph Ngor Deng, Rombek Rombek, Angelo Gatjang Manguany, Alexander Ramadan Tarjan, Ann Marie Land, and Winny Pita Raymond.

The event is being facilitated by the US Department of State and administered by its Implementing partner IREX.

The seven days Symposium will focus on Climate change, Education & Youth, Peace, security, and democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Mr. Rombek Rombek urged South Sudanese youth to participate in such programs.

“This is a great opportunity for Young South Sudanese to showcase their leadership ability and strength in advancing Democracy and Good governance in South Sudan with shared learning from other African youth. We encourage south Sudanese youth to take up such prestigious life-changing opportunities,” Rombek stated.

He says they hope more South Sudan youth will join the program next year.

“This process is highly competitive and South Sudan was given only six slots and we hope next time South Sudan get many slots like other African countries which were given eight and ten slots so that we can create more impact.”

The team says it is also thankful to the US Embassy in South Sudan for supporting youth development programs.