U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler. (Photo: Courtesy).

The United States Ambassador to South Sudan has encouraged young people to use the power of music and art to break ethnic barriers and unite the country.

Michael J Adler says the youth should dedicate themselves to influencing positive change and creating a better future for the country.

Ambassador Adler made the remarks on the commemoration of Daniel Pearl World Music Days on the weekend.

“I had the chance to meet many South Sudanese people from different communities and of all age groups and what has been abundantly clear to me from day one, is a strong desire among South Sudanese people for peace,” he said.

“On the topic of peace, I want to note the special role that the youth play in bringing about peace and creating a better future for the people of South Sudan.”

Daniel Pearl World Music Days – is an event to remember the life of Daniel Pearl, an American Journalist who was killed on February 2002, in Pakistan while working for the Wall Street Journal.

On Friday, the national organization I AM PEACE AFRICA organized a concert attended by musicians and media practitioners to mark the day, which also advocates for the safety of journalists across the world and in the country.

Speaking during the occasion in Juba, Ambassador Adler encouraged the young people to live by the example of the slain journalist.

“In his short life, he (Daniel Pearl) dedicated his work to cross-cultural dialogue, harmony, and understanding,” he said.

“Having studied music, he understood the power of music to transcend cultural and group boundaries and help all find a universal space of humanity, characterized by tolerance and respect.”

“And indeed, these values are central to all efforts to establish peace both here and in other places around the world.

The diplomat says the US is implementing a 45 million-dollar Youth Empowerment initiative over the next four years.

The program targeting 25,000 youth and 65 national youth organizations – will provide mentorship on civic engagement, reproductive health, and social community cohesion.