South Sudan gained independence in 2011 making it the youngest Republic constitutes 73.3% of the population as adolescents. Even though the youth constitute the highest number of the population, Young people are too often excluded by decision-makers – to the detriment of youth themselves and future generations. Promoting youth leadership and participation is key to UNFPA’s work. With our efforts enabling young people to develop the skills, knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, families, communities, countries and the world. The formation of the Youth Advisory panel in South Sudan creates a platform for the youth  and  acts as a mechanism for open dialogue and exchange between UNFPA and young people to advise UNFPA on adolescent and youth issues.

The YAP in South Sudan was established and oriented in August 2022 with a total of 18 representative of young people of which two youths per state from UNFPA targeted States of: Central Equatoria, Upper Nile, Western Bhar El Ghazal and Western Equatoria and one each from the remaining States of Lakes, Warrap, Eastern Equatoria, Unity State, Jonglei, Northern Bhar El Ghazal and the 3 Administrative Areas (Ruweng Administrative, Pibor Administrative and Abyei). The youth advisory panels attests to UNFPA’s mandate to ensure young people attain their full potential by ensuring there is nothing for the youth without the youth at the table 

“I have gotten the platform and the space as a UNFPA YAP member,  to inspire women and girls in south sudan to achieve their full potential” Anna Maneno Chairperson YAP 

The 3 day workshop saw various youth led partners such as Shabab Le Shabab and Afriyaan South Sudan come together at Dembesh hotel to empower the 18 youth with soft skills on what it means to be an advocate of sexual reproductive health rights. Through the orientation workshop knowledge and leadership was given to youth by the country office led by  Dr. Ademola Olajide, UNFPA Country Representative in South Sudan. As part of the soft skills offered by the Country office and Youth led partners included an orientation on the UNFPA mandate and how to advocate for the 3 zeros namely zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices such as child marriage that are the key thematic areas of concern for UNFPA in South Sudan. 

“As part of the UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel I aim to ensure that the rights of women and girls are respected in South Sudan” James Kang

 

The new YAP members went through a democratic process to install new leadership that includes young members who have exemplary strengths in various thematic areas that link to UNFPA’s mandate such as policy and advocacy on SRHR, GBV, mental and menstrual health, disability mainstreaming, electronic and print media engagement on reaching young people. Anna Maneno was appointed Chairperson of the new panel. UNFPA engages young people in its work, and advocates for youth engagement in the work of others. Just as importantly, UNFPA provides financial and technical support to adolescents and youth who are in the process of building networks and organizations to advocate for their human rights. The inclusion of youth from diverse backgrounds and identities, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized, is prioritized.