A new Peace Centre has been opened at the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor town in South Sudan’s Jonglei State.
Built with funding from the Republic of Korea, the Centre, worth over 70,000 US dollar, is the first of its kind in Bor town.
“As we open this centre, South Sudan is entering a new era. Era of peace, tranquillity and development,” Jonglei State Governor Philip Aguer told the gathering during the Centre’s official opening ceremony on Thursday.
At the opening ceremony, Governor Philip Aguer appealed to the youth to stay away from divisive politics, saying the Centre would transition South Sudan from the era of conflict to peacefulness.
“We the politicians of South Sudan, some time we don’t look for solutions, some time we look for problems,” the governor candidly said. “I warned the youth not to follow the examples of the politicians,” Aguer added.
Meanwhile the UNMISS Head of Field Office Deborah Schein said with peace at everyone’s door, the UN mission will continue to strengthen efforts for peace and development.
She said the Peace Centre was a symbol of a new beginning and a constant symbol of hope that would pave the way for a better and prosperous future for the students of John Garang University, and all the people of Jonglei and South Sudan.
The Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Prof. Robert Mayom said the Centre would help the University disseminate the content of the revitalized peace agreement.
“This year, the government and the opposition signed a revitalized peace agreement in Addis Ababa,” he said, adding, “I hope this Centre will play a great role in the dissemination of the peace messages to the citizens of South Sudan.”
Equipped with solar energy and a well-furnished conference hall, it is anticipated that the Centre will consolidate peace and foster inter-communal relations.
Korean Peacekeepers, currently undertaking various youth training programmes in the region, also donated medical supplies, scholastic materials and three motorcycles during the opening ceremony.