Adut hailed for her inaugural speech on youth, women empowerment
Civil society leaders expresses optimism about the significant role Adut can play in her new position, which she would contribute to bridging divides among political leaders and promoting national dialogue
By Chuol Chanyong
The Executive Director for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani has praised the speech of the newly appointed Special Envoy of the President for Special Programs, Adut Kiir.
In her remarks during a family celebration held in her honor on Sunday, Adut pledged to prioritize the empowerment of youth and women.
She outlined them as fundamental pillars of sustainable development and peace building in the country.
Adut said achieving peace requires improving basic services, underlining that peace and reconciliation must be built on organized governmental initiatives focused on essential services such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.
According to Yakani, the speech of Adut is aligned with the recent call made by the President during the opening of Parliament, where Kiir said that citizens did not want political statements, but concrete actions.
In a statement issued yesterday, Yakani expressed appreciation for the insightful interpretation of the concept of peace presented by Adut.
“We thank Hon. Adut Salva Kiir for this public interpretation of the meaning of peace, which reflects the aspirations of citizens across South Sudan, particularly those still suffering from the consequences of ongoing armed violence, as well as those facing economic hardship that prevents them from earning a living or accessing essential services.”
On the same note, Yakani expressed optimism about the significant role Adut can play in her new position, a platform she could use to bridge divides among political leaders and promote national dialogue.
“We hope you will establish yourself as a leader, as a woman, and as someone genuinely committed to achieving comprehensive peace in South Sudan. From your speech, we believe you have the will to do so. We hope you will focus on advancing tolerance and reconciliation and move from words to action.”
The activist noted that Adut has earned the trust of the people, who are eager to see a new generation of leaders that embody their hopes.
“Our interpretation of peace is exactly what we have been looking for; it is the product of inclusive political dialogue among our national leaders.”
On behalf of civil society, “We are ready to cooperate and work with your office to realize the vision of peace you presented, for the benefit of all citizens of South Sudan after our long struggle and the sacrifice of millions of lives in the quest for independence.”
Inside the new envoy’s role
The role of Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes carries significant weight. The envoy is mainly tasked with handling priority national tasks that require direct oversight from the Presidency. The position exists to bridge gaps between ministries and ensure that urgent or politically sensitive programmes receive the necessary coordination and authority for timely implementation.
The envoy’s work often relates to peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and post-conflict recover, including coordinating with government institutions, humanitarian agencies, and development partners on issues such as resettlement of displaced persons, rehabilitation of war-affected communities, and delivery of essential services in conflict-affected areas.
Essentially, the official acts as a bridge between key institutions and the president. S/he may oversee special development projects championed by the Presidency, such as infrastructure rehabilitation, food security interventions, or youth and women empowerment programmes.
By prioritizing the empowerment of youth and women, the central pillars of an emerging economy, the new envoy could position the country on a path of sustainable development and peace.
Youth, women factor in South Sudan
According to a recent report by The World Bank, 95 percent of South Sudanese youth are unemployed despite more than 60 percent owning college degrees and high school certificates. The widespread lack of opportunities has led to negative outcomes such as crime and migration to other places in search of better opportunities.
According to sources, the economic recession, conflict and corruption are largely blamed for the rising youth unemployment, placing the Special Programmes a significant post in unlocking this largely ‘wasting potential.’
On the other hand, women, some of who have borne significant challenges in the country, including gender based violence, limited access to education, conflict and climate change, poses huge potential to contribute largely to the country’s economic opportunities.
