Photo Credit| By Madrama James

Youth leaders from across South Sudan have called for the full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, greater youth representation in governance and expanded economic opportunities ahead of the country’s planned general elections in December.

The resolutions were adopted during the South Sudan National Youth Leadership, Peace and Security Forum, held in Juba from July 20 to 21 under the theme “Youth Voices for Peace: Shaping South Sudan’s Democratic Transition, Social Cohesion and Economic Future.”

The forum brought together the South Sudan National Youth Union, state youth leaders, civil society organizations, members of parliament, government representatives and development partners.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the forum, participants urged the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to “embark on inclusive dialogue and full implementation of the agreement.”

They also called on the government and political parties to implement existing commitments on youth representation, including affirmative action provisions contained in the peace agreement.

The forum further urged Parliament to enact pending youth-related legislation, including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Bill and the Youth Council Bill, and called for the establishment of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs.

On governance, participants called for the creation of elected youth representative seats in every constituency, saying this would “institutionalize meaningful youth participation in governance, strengthen democratic representation, and ensure that the interests, rights, and aspirations of young people are effectively reflected in the legislative process.”

The communiqué also called for expanded civic education on the peace agreement, the National Elections Act and the electoral process across all states and administrative areas, while urging the government to guarantee youth freedom of movement and safe civic space during the electoral period.

On economic empowerment, participants appealed to the government, financial institutions and development partners to improve young people’s access to finance and credit through “structured, transparent lending mechanisms tailored to youth-led enterprises.”

The forum also called for continued investment in technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship and digital skills, including artificial intelligence, and urged authorities to reform policies that lead to the closure of youth-run businesses.

Addressing social cohesion, the participants called for accelerated implementation of transitional justice mechanisms, counselling and psychosocial support services, and reconciliation initiatives led by faith and traditional leaders.

The communiqué also highlighted the need to combat hate speech and misinformation by developing community-based fact-checking mechanisms and strengthening collaboration between the media, civil society and technology platforms. Participants further called for “the development of an early warning and monitoring system for hate speech and misinformation.”

On climate change, the forum urged the government to recognize climate change as “a peace and governance imperative” and to integrate climate risk into national peacebuilding and governance frameworks. It also called for greater youth participation in climate policy and increased investment in digital technologies to support climate-smart agriculture.

In their closing declaration, the participants pledged to promote peaceful democratic processes, stating: “We commit to championing peace, dialogue, and democratic process—not violence—as the only legitimate path toward a stable, cohesive, and prosperous South Sudan.”

They also called on the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, political parties, IGAD, faith leaders and development partners to work with young people “as genuine partners, not passive beneficiaries, in building South Sudan’s future.”