Koang Pal Chang. (Photo: Courtesy)

As we mark World Radio Day 2025, this year, we’re talking about “Radio and Climate Change.” This is important for South Sudan. Our country is one of the most at-risk in the world from things like droughts and floods, and from climate change in general. Radio plays a huge role in helping people understand and deal with these problems.

For a long time, radio in South Sudan has been much more than just music and entertainment. It’s a crucial way to share news, build peace, and give out life-saving information, especially when things are difficult. From big peace deals to getting help to people, the radio has always been there, helping South Sudan grow stronger. 

A Foundation of Peace and Unity

South Sudan’s path to becoming an independent and peaceful nation is deeply connected to radio. Radio was key during the 2005 peace agreement that ended a long civil war. It also helped during the census, elections, and the vote for independence in 2011. In all these big moments, radio kept people informed, got them talking about national issues, and encouraged them to take part in building a new country after years of fighting. 

A Lifeline During Crisis

When conflict broke out in South Sudan in 2013, radio became a lifeline for millions. It wasn’t about fun anymore; it was about survival. Radio stations shared critical information: where it was safe, what was happening, and how to get humanitarian aid. People all over the country tuned in to know where to find safety, how to get help, and how to protect themselves.

Radio proved its worth again during the heavy fighting in Juba in 2016, between President Kiir’s and Dr. Riek Machar’s bodyguards. Even in dangerous times, radio stations kept broadcasting important updates, helping people find safety and comfort. Radio also kept everyone informed about peace talks starting up again in Addis Ababa and Khartoum, which eventually led to the 2018 Peace Agreement.

We can’t talk enough about how important radio has been in reporting human rights abuses, especially during conflict. Radio stations in South Sudan have bravely shared stories of terrible acts, giving a voice to those who couldn’t speak for themselves. This helped the world know what was happening and encouraged local communities to demand fairness and justice. 

Facing Climate Change: Radio as a Source of Resilience

Climate change brings even more challenges to South Sudan. Extreme weather, like severe flooding, has hit huge parts of the country. In 2020, floods affected half of all South Sudanese people, forcing entire communities to move and destroying farms.

Radio stations have been key in telling people what’s happening, where floods are worst, and how to find safe places or get help. Beyond just reporting, radio shows also explain how climate change affects communities. They encourage people to use sustainable ways of living and take steps to protect themselves.

Radio has become vital for sharing news about environmental problems and what’s being done to help. It tells listeners about safe routes, temporary shelters, and places to get emergency aid. Radio stations also connect local leaders, aid groups, and humanitarian agencies with the public, sharing important information for those in need. 

Radio’s Continuing Role in Advocacy and Reporting

Radio in South Sudan also works hard to talk about bigger issues like climate change, protecting our environment, and human rights. By sharing reports on how climate change affects our land and people, radio stations help shape public discussions on these important topics. This is especially vital as South Sudan works towards peace and a healthy environment.

Beyond just news, radio hosts discussions on how to reduce climate change impacts, local ways to adapt, and why farming sustainably is important. This helps people understand climate change’s long-term effects and encourages them to be part of protecting their communities. 

Looking Ahead: Radio’s Promise for South Sudan’s Climate Future

As South Sudan faces more climate challenges, radio will keep being a key tool for teaching, organizing, and speaking up. We can’t stress enough how important radio is here. Its power to give quick, correct, and useful information will be crucial as our country learns to live with a changing climate.

As we celebrate World Radio Day 2025, we honor radio’s power to tackle climate change, build peace, and deliver life-saving news in South Sudan. Time and again, radio has shown it’s not just a way to talk, but a true lifeline for South Sudanese people, especially when things are tough. Whether it’s reporting on peace talks, giving updates during conflict, or teaching about climate change, radio will always be central to South Sudan’s journey to rebuild and succeed in a changing world.

About the Author: Koang Pal Chang is the Station and Program Manager for Eye Radio. He is a veteran journalist with decades of experience in journalism who served as the Chairperson of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) and founder of the South Sudan National Editors’ Forum (NEF).