13/08/2025
On Tuesday, South Sudanese youth gathered in Juba to commemorate International Youth Day 2025, under the theme: “Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” in an impressive display of solidarity and shared purpose.
The event, organized by the Eden Foundation in partnership with Scenius Hub and Amatel Africa, brought together government representatives, students, civil society organizations, and young innovators to reflect on the challenges facing youth and explore pathways toward national unity, development, and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Yar Telar Deng, Member of Parliament representing Yirol West County in the National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA), called on South Sudanese youth to look beyond tribal and political affiliations and work collectively to address the country’s pressing issues.
Story by Matik Kueth
📷 Gabuu Myles
Produced by Matik Kueth
Peter Lemmy Noka, Program Manager at the Eve Organization for Women Development, underlined the need for the government to address these delays in order to ensure that students transition smoothly into higher education.
Dwatuka Ngoni, Representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, highlighted the urgent need to empower young people to take the lead in sustainability and environmental action.
However, Abul Majur, Executive Director of the Eden Foundation, emphasized the significance of the event as a platform for youth to reconnect, collaborate, and be inspired toward a common vision for peace and progress.
The commemoration concluded with a call for investment in youth-led solutions, innovation hubs, and national frameworks that prioritize the role of young people in peacebuilding, governance, and sustainable development.
International Youth Day was founded in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. It was established following a recommendation from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 1998). It's observed every year on August 12 to raise awareness about issues affecting young people around the world and to celebrate their contributions to society.