Taban Paride, South Sudan National Youth Union President speaks on Eye Radio's Zone 72 Program. (Photo: Awan Moses).

The South Sudan National Youth Union has said its current allocation of 632.7 million South Sudan Pounds is inadequate, and called for at least five million US dollars annually to effectively address the needs of young people across the country.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Monday, Paride Taban said the union is facing  several challenges affecting youth, including war, hunger, drought, and mental health issues.

He said the challenges are not being fully addressed due to limited resources.

Taban said the 632.7 million South Sudan Pounds budget for activities cannot support meaningful programs nationwide.

He said the union is advocating for a more realistic and sustainable budget to strengthen its operations.

Taban proposed an annual allocation of at least five million US dollars, saying this would enable the union to expand its reach, respond to grassroots priorities, and implement programs more effectively across the country.

He added that the union plans to mobilize support through partnerships and donor funding, as well as by using national youth policy frameworks.