By Guya Scopas Bethuel
The European Union has reiterated its commitment to empowering young people in South Sudan, describing them as essential agents of peace, stability, and development. Speaking during the National Youth Union Consultative Meeting on the development of South Sudan’s National Action Plan for Youth, Peace and Security, Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan, called for deeper youth engagement and reinforced civic space.
“Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Children are the future of the world. Youth even more,” Jaschke said. “Empowered youth are the catalysts for positive change for a better, more peaceful, more stable, more prosperous, and more connected future.”
Highlighting that nearly 70% of South Sudan’s population is under 30, Jaschke emphasized that the country’s youth could become drivers of transformation provided they are given access to quality education, jobs, and a safe civic environment. He called for the full implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, which he described as a “declaration of hope,” rather than continued violations and conflict.
In his address, Jaschke praised efforts by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Peacebuilding for advancing the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, referencing the launch of a national strategy on YPS two months ago.
“We believe this strategy should help us navigate a journey toward peace and stability for South Sudan,” he noted.
The Deputy Head also announced plans by the EU Delegation to establish a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) in South Sudan. The board will serve as a formal mechanism to incorporate young people’s insights, experiences, and aspirations into EU-supported programmes and policy-making.
“This Youth Advisory Board will provide a platform for young people to contribute their perspectives to ensure their voices are meaningfully included,” he said, adding that youth-led initiatives and participation are central to the EU’s external action policy.
Jaschke’s remarks also linked local efforts to global commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which acknowledges the role of youth in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. He highlighted the EU’s 2022 Youth Action Plan as a roadmap for promoting youth involvement in sustainable development and peace efforts abroad.
He closed his speech with a poetic message to the youth: “May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift… and may you stay forever young.”
The consultative meeting, hosted by IPCA in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, aims to co-create South Sudan’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security in line with regional and international frameworks.