More than 40 youths from different counties of Eastern Equatoria State are attending a four-day conference aimed at reorganizing the state youth union.
The conference under the theme, “Empowering youth as the agents of peace and sustainable development” is organized by the government of Eastern Equatoria state with funding from several partners.
“This conference aims to restructure and strengthen the youth union structure because we are now for the revitalized peace agreement. The first youth union was the youth of the 32 states that is Torit and Kapoeta, but now we are Eastern Equatoria state,” Wani Kute Joseph, the chairperson of the organizing committee said. “So we want to restructure the body to become one youth of Eastern Equatoria state with one administration so that they will be able to communicate and network with the government, partners, and various counties as a youth.”
The acting chairperson for the state youth union, Orupi David urges the youth from all the counties to be peace ambassadors and work together to promote development.
“Our programs normally prioritize peace and the unity of our people because without these two things we may not be able to achieve the sustainable development of our state. Take this message seriously to our eight counties,” he advised. “You must also equally go and preach about peace. I will see how I will technically support the upcoming leadership.”
Moro Alex, the state coordinator for Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative or WPDI, calls on the state youth to respect human rights which he believes will promote peace in the country.
“As an organization, our aim is promoting peace and of course, peace cannot come without ensuring that there is respect for human rights,” he said.
For her part, the state minister of culture, youth, and sport, Margret Idwa Okuye called on the youth to use their energy to transform the nation for the better.
The conference which is expected to conclude on Thursday will also discuss human rights violations, civic rights of the population, and the role of the youth union.