South Sudan recently observed World Population Day with a national event held at the national Parliament Building, focusing on the pivotal role of young people in shaping the country’s future and fostering stronger families.
The commemoration, which took place on Friday, was organised by the Ministry of Finance and Planning in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
During the event, Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr Marial Dongrin Ater, reiterated his ministry’s dedication to leveraging the nation’s demographic potential to create economic opportunities for the youth. He highlighted that South Sudan’s youthful population presents both challenges and opportunities, depending on the country’s investments in education, healthcare, and employment.
Dr Marial expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly UNFPA, for their technical and financial support to the Bureau of Statistics and the ministry. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in helping the government understand population trends and develop policies that cater to demographic needs.
The event also marked the release of the latest World Population Report, offering valuable insights on population growth, reproductive health, and socio-economic trends. Leaders emphasised that this report would inform strategies for sustainable development, with a specific focus on empowering young people to make informed decisions about their families.
Prominent officials in attendance included Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Permena Awerial, UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Anita Kiki, Minister of General Education and Instruction, Hon. Dr Kuyok Abol, Minister of Health, Hon. Sara Cleto, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Dr Geng Akec, and Director General of the South Sudan Bureau of Statistics, Hon. Augustino Ting Mayai.
The event bore the theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world”, with a clear message from officials on the necessity of expanding access to education, healthcare, and employment, especially in rural regions.
UNFPA highlighted that empowering youth to plan their futures directly impacts economic stability. For instance, reducing unplanned pregnancies can enable more young women to complete their education and enhance their earning potential.
