These resolutions urge Member States to include youth in violence prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes, ensuring their participation at all levels of decision-making. In South Sudan, this remains a critical, yet underutilized, resource. Youth have been at the forefront of liberation movements but often find their political engagement limited as they transition into adulthood.

The South Sudan Youth Development Policy provides a legal platform for young people to claim their rights. The key benefit of South Sudan’s National Youth Development Policy is the formal guarantee of structural inclusion, mandating a 20 percent quota for youth representation in government bodies at all levels, and pledging 10 percent of the national budget for youth-led projects and economic empowerment.

I would like to urge young people to demand these rights nonviolently, since they will not come on a silver plate. For instance, young people need to participate and vie for key positions in the coming election to realize their 20 percent quota as provided for under the South Sudan Youth Development Policy.

In addition, to fully implement UNSCR 2250 in South Sudan, the following actions are necessary to realize youth development:

Establishing Youth Councils and Committees: These should be set up at local and state levels to provide a formal mechanism for youth participation in governance, peacebuilding and decision-making processes. Local meetings to identify youth candidates for council membership and transparent processes for appointing diverse representatives would ensure inclusivity.

Providing Leadership and Governance Training: Capacity-building programs should be offered to develop advocacy, leadership and negotiation skills among youth. Workshops on leadership development and conflict resolution, alongside regular meetings and youth-led projects, would enable young people to actively contribute to community development.

Furthermore, Creating Mentorship Networks: Mentorship programs can pair youth with experienced leaders in their respective fields, offering opportunities for skills transfer and personal development. These networks could be supported through online platforms for ongoing mentor-mentee communication, supplemented by resources such as articles, toolkits and case studies.

Finally, Enhancing Financial Literacy: Financial education should be integrated into school curricula and vocational training programs, equipping youth with essential skills such as budgeting, savings and investment strategies. Seminars and workshops delivered by financial experts can offer practical insights, while partnerships with financial institutions can ensure that young entrepreneurs have access to banking services and financial products.

South Sudan’s youth constitute the country’s greatest demographic asset. Meaningful inclusion of young people in governance, peacebuilding and economic development is not merely a policy choice; it is a prerequisite for sustainable peace, democratic governance and national development. By localizing the principles of UNSCR 2250 and implementing existing national commitments, South Sudan can transform its youthful population into a powerful force for peace, stability and prosperity.