IGAD and Partners to Convene South Sudan National Youth Leadership, Peace and Security Forum.
July 20–24, 2026 (Juba, South Sudan): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) through the Office of the IGAD Youth Special Envoy, in partnership with the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU), the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), will convene the South Sudan National Youth Leadership, Peace and Security Forum from 20 to 21st July 2026 in Juba, South Sudan.
Held under the theme, “Youth Voices for Peace: Shaping South Sudan’s Democratic Transition, Social Cohesion and Economic Future,” the Forum will bring together youth leaders from across South Sudan alongside representatives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, faith leaders and regional stakeholders to strengthen youth participation in peacebuilding, democratic governance and national development.
The Forum comes at a pivotal moment as South Sudan advances the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and prepares for its democratic transition. With young people constituting more than 70 per cent of the country’s population, their meaningful participation is essential to building lasting peace, strengthening democratic governance and fostering inclusive socio-economic development.
Over the two days, participants will engage in dialogue on strategic issues shaping South Sudan’s future, including youth participation in the peace process and democratic transition, countering hate speech and misinformation through digital peace initiatives, promoting national cohesion and reconciliation, and addressing climate change and resource-based conflicts. Discussions will also explore practical approaches to enhancing youth leadership, civic engagement and resilience.
The Forum aims to provide an inclusive platform for young leaders to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships and contribute to shaping national priorities. It will culminate in the development of a consensus-based Youth Position Paper containing practical recommendations to support South Sudan’s peace process, democratic transition and youth development agenda.
Following the Forum, a high-level engagement will be held from 22 to 24 July 2026 with the Minister for Youth, the Minister for Peace, and the Vice President for the Gender and Youth Cluster. The meetings will provide an opportunity to share the Forum’s position papers and advocate for meaningful youth participation in South Sudan’s peacebuilding, democratic transition and national development processes.
As part of IGAD’s commitment to advancing the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda, the Forum underscores the organisation’s continued efforts to empower young people as agents of peace, dialogue and sustainable development across the region. Through collaboration with national institutions and strategic partners, IGAD continues to champion youth-led solutions that contribute to stability, social cohesion and regional integration.
The Forum is also expected to strengthen collaboration among youth institutions, government agencies, faith-based organisations, civil society and development partners while fostering a coordinated youth leadership network to champion peace, responsible civic engagement and sustainable development across South Sudan.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for peace and development, the South Sudan National Youth Leadership, Peace and Security Forum reaffirms the collective commitment of IGAD, SSNYU, SSCC and AACC to ensuring that the voices, aspirations and leadership of young people remain central to South Sudan’s journey towards sustainable peace, democratic governance and a prosperous future.
About IGAD
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is the premier Regional Economic Community in the Horn of Africa, comprising Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. IGAD promotes regional cooperation and integration to advance peace and security, economic development, resilience and sustainable prosperity across the region.
For media inquiries:
Austine Opata
Head of Communication Unit
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
Austine.Opata@igad.int