On 9 July, as South Sudan marked 15 years of independence, UNESCO Headquarters hosted Spotlight on South Sudan at 15: Empowering People and Safeguarding Heritage in Crisis. Organized by UNESCO and the Permanent Delegation of South Sudan to UNESCO, the event brought together representatives of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, UNESCO Member States, development partners and youth to discuss the country’s priorities and reflect on UNESCO’s contribution to peacebuilding in a context impacted by conflict, displacement, climate shocks and economic challenges.
The event opened with remarks by Mr. Mohamed Elfarnawany, Director of UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa Division, followed by a video message from Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and remarks by Mr. Benjamin Aban Raphael, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Delegation of South Sudan to UNESCO. Ms. Yayoi Segi-Vltchek, Head of the UNESCO Office in Juba and UNESCO Representative to South Sudan, presented an overview of UNESCO’s multidisciplinary engagement in the country and its contribution to advancing peace and resilience through education, culture, communication and information.
Achieving peace and resilience requires sustained investment and strong partnerships between the government and the international community. It also demands strengthening the foundations of peace through education, culture, and access to reliable information.
Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan
Education and skills development featured prominently in the discussions as essential foundations for recovery and sustainable peace. Participants heard testimonies from graduates of a UNESCO-supported Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, which reached over 5,600 people thanks to the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), highlighting the opportunities that investing in skills development can create for young people affected by crisis. Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, shared the Government’s vision for strengthening education and reaffirmed the importance of investing in learning and skills as part of South Sudan’s long-term development and peacebuilding efforts.
Through UNESCO supported programs and the generous support of partners, many young women and men have acquired employable skills and improved their livelihoods. These achievements demonstrate that investing in skills is investing in peace.
Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, Republic of South Sudan / Chair, South Sudan National Commission for UNESCO
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-marks-south-sudans-15th-anniversary-independence-spotlight-partnerships-and-peacebuilding?hub=701
