The Role of generations to Nation building in South Sudan
On 2nd November 2022, Youth and Society- Africa, The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands to South Sudan, and University of Juba conducted the first ever Intergenerational Dialogue on “The Role of generations to Nation building in South Sudan” The intergenerational dialogue is a forum for discussion between young people and the older generations on important aspects of society and raises awareness about certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity and development.
With up to 70% of the population that is young, South Sudan however still experiences an inter-generational disconnect between the older and younger generations, where each feels misunderstood and/or underappreciated for the critical role they play in socio-economic development.
The dialogue brought together guest speakers from leadership positions representing different institutions including the Senior Presidential Advisor; Hon. Kuol Manyang, Hon. Gai Mayen; Chairperson of the committee on youth in National parliament, Hon. Yar Telar, Nelson Kwaje, Nunu Diana and David Ayuel. The sessions were moderated by Prof John Akec, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba and Grace Aguil Garang, Executive Director for Youth & Society- Africa and member of the International Youth Advisory Committee for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The dialogues were also graced by Netherlands Ambassador Marjan to South Sudan and the National Minister of Youth, Dr. Albino Bol.
Hon. Kuol Manyang spoke of the history of Sudan and South Sudan, from the origin of Sudan as a country, and the role of young people in the liberation struggle. According to him, history is the way of transferring knowledge from the past to explain the present and help define the future. “The war of South Sudan was fought by young people to liberate South Sudan from Sudan, They also lead the peace talks toward the Addis Ababa peace agreement to give self rule for the people of Southern Sudan” He iterated on the importance of peace building and hard work amongst young people for development of country and the need of investment in young people’s skills and education to tap on the economic development of the country.
The dialogues gave an opportunity to discuss the effects of the rapid technological change, shifting geopolitics, climate change seen in floods and famine and the existing competition over scarce resources. “From 2015 to 2035 the number of people in working age in Africa will rise to 450 million, without strong institutions and a working economy to create jobs this will be a recipe for political instability, wars and crimes” Prof John Akec.
The youth panelists and speakers spoke of their demand for education, urbanization, open civic space, skills and curriculum systems that allow them to meet the changing market needs created by industrial revolution such as clean energy, smart agriculture and opportunities in globalizations and international trade. “If the previous generation’s fight was to gain liberation from Khartoum (Sudan) I think this generation’s fight is to pursue their dreams and to fight against poverty” Nelson Kwaje, Chairperson Defy Hate.
However to achieve this it is important to ensure meaningful youth participation in decision making and leadership roles in politics through policies and legal framework that supports young people. Moreover, the need to strengthen and depoliticize youth institutions through unity and have intra-generational dialogues between young people themselves to take up leadership roles that supplement the Intergenerational Dialogues.
The Netherland Embassy to South Sudan with the partnership with Youth and Society- Africa aims to continue these dialogues across the country quarterly to provide forums for the youth and their seniors have to dialogue among themselves to build trust, understanding and optimally utilize the potentials of the youth and older generations to foster political, social and economic transformation that South Sudan so desperately needs.