“Work hard and believe in yourselves”, in a session with the young people on “Youth engagement in development and humanitarian discourse in South Sudan”, Ms Anita Gbeho Kiki, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General/ Resident Coordinator/ Humanitarian Coordinator, delivered this powerful message to the youth at Scenius hub, Juba.

She emphasized the importance of persistence, hard work, and self-belief, saying,

“What will make you stand out is your ability to keep going, work hard and smart, and trust in your ability.”

Her interaction with the young South Sudanese highlighted the incredible potential they possess to drive positive change in their communities. With over 50 youths from across Juba participating in the event, Ms Kiki engaged in a dialogue to understand the challenges faced by young people regarding development and humanitarian issues in the country. She reassured them of her office’s commitment to collaborate with, and support the youth in their endeavours.

Organized by the UNFPA country office through IHO, and in partnership with Scenius Hub, the program aimed to facilitate discussions and gain insights from the youth on how best to involve them in shaping the Country’s future. The event shed light on various initiatives that have been implemented to actively engage the youth in South Sudan’s development and humanitarian efforts.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the youth’s potential to transform their society, Ms Kiki’s words resonated deeply as she urged them to believe in themselves and embrace their pivotal roles in driving positive change. The event served as a platform for meaningful interactions and learning opportunities, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered youth community in South Sudan’s development journey.