The Minister of Youth and Sports has signed the Youth Development Policy and the Sports Development Policy, marking a major step toward strengthening opportunities for young people in South Sudan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mary Nawai said the country’s
large youth population should be viewed as a national asset rather than a
burden.
“Our nation is blessed with a youthful population. This is
not a challenge; it is our greatest opportunity,” Nawai said on Thursday in
Juba.
With youth constituting 72 percent of South Sudan’s
population, they are regarded as critical to the nation’s future development
and peacebuilding initiatives.
“When these young people are empowered, skilled and
supported, they become innovators, peace builders, entrepreneurs and leaders,”
Nawai said.
However, the minister warned that failure to invest in young
people could lead to negative consequences.
“When neglected, the same potential can be lost to
unemployment and may contribute to instability in the country,” she added.
Nawai noted that the sports sector, which falls under the
ministry, has long depended on limited government funding and inconsistent
external support.
A key proposal within the Youth Development Policy is the
allocation of 10 percent of the national budget to youth programs, aimed at
expanding training, employment and empowerment initiatives.
Additionally, the policy addresses critical challenges faced by young people, including unemployment, discrimination and limited access to resources.