(JUBA) – South Sudan has entered a new phase in its development cooperation with India following the official launch of the UN-India Global Capacity Building Initiative in Juba on 31st October 2025. The programme aims to strengthen skills, education and institutional capacity among South Sudanese professionals, particularly in public administration, education and technical sectors.
The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, brought together key government and diplomatic officials. India’s Ambassador to South Sudan attended the ceremony alongside Hon. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, the Undersecretary of Labour, and representatives from UNESCO South Sudan and other international agencies.
According to the Indian Embassy, the new initiative reflects India’s long standing commitment to human resource development in South Sudan. It builds on previous cooperation through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and various educational scholarships that have already benefited hundreds of South Sudanese students and civil servants.
India, known globally for its expertise in technology, education, and public administration, is extending its experience to help South Sudan build a skilled and competitive workforce. The programme is expected to focus on technical training, digital literacy, vocational education, and policy support for institutions responsible for workforce planning and education delivery.
Speaking at the launch, the Ambassador of India to South Sudan described the initiative as “a partnership rooted in friendship and shared progress.”
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with South Sudan’s government and development partners to build strong institutions capable of delivering essential services and opportunities for citizens.
Hon. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, on his part, welcomed India’s continuous support, saying the initiative will help bridge South Sudan’s technical and skills gap. He noted that improved education and human resource capacity are vital for the country’s long-term economic stability and growth.
UNESCO’s South Sudan Representative also praised the initiative, calling it a model for international cooperation that aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to education, decent work, and institutional development.
India remains one of South Sudan’s consistent development partners, contributing to capacity building in health, agriculture, ICT, and civil service reform. Many South Sudanese professionals working in government ministries today have benefited from India’s training and scholarship programmes.
UN-India Capacity Building Initiative in South Sudan
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 31st October 2025 |
| Location | Juba, South Sudan |
| Main Partners | Government of South Sudan, Embassy of India, UNESCO, UN Agencies |
| Lead Government Ministry | Ministry of General Education and Instruction |
| Focus Areas | Education, Technical Skills, Digital Literacy, Institutional Capacity |
| Objective | To build skills and strengthen human resources for national development |
| Target Beneficiaries | Teachers, Civil Servants, Students, and Technical Professionals |
| Programme Type | UN-India Global Capacity Building Initiative |
| Indian Support Mechanisms | ITEC Training Programmes, Scholarships, Institutional Partnerships |
| Expected Outcome | A skilled workforce supporting South Sudan’s sustainable development goals |