PGA Remarks at the Meeting with University Students , Juba, South Sudan

 

It is a great pleasure to be in Juba, the Republic of South Sudan, on a long awaited official visit – and in particular to have this unique opportunity to address this young, bright, and very eager audience. 

 

Indeed, I find it poignant that I am speaking to such a young audience in the world’s youngest nation. 

 

Many of you are poised to become the uniformed future leaders, scientists, doctors, engineers, and captains of industry – who will guide South Sudan through its adolescence and firmly establish its firm statehood credentials among the family of peace-loving nations. 

 

Through your zeal, energy, youthful vibrancy and perseverance, I am confident that you will actively seek your space in the social discourse – to support your leadership’s efforts to heal the wounds of your country’s troubled past; and beset by conflict, poverty, disasters, and humanitarian crises. 

 

But your young shoulders will not bear these burdens alone. 

 

 Because it will take collective effort – by all South Sudanese, working together for a common cause to build a peaceful and prosperous nation that is anchored on democratic values, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law. 

While remaining both ambitious and hopeful, let us not be under any illusions about or underestimate the sheer scale of the challenges South Sudan is up against – including the continuing political, security and humanitarian challenges both within the country and in its neighborhood.  

 

Resolving these challenges will not be easy. 

 

We must also appreciate that many of these issues are cross-border challenges spanning the entire region – and others like climate change, transcending borders, frontiers and oceans to confront the entire world. 

 

The leaders of South Sudan, and the Africa region in general – and other stakeholders across the world – have a collective responsibility to come together in the spirit of peace and cooperation and recognize that our petty grievances and individual ambitions pale in comparison to the urgent need for collective action to secure a better more prosperous future for all, without exception. 

 

In this regard, I commend the role of the African Union and sub-regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) – in complementing the efforts of the United Nations to bring lasting peace and stability in South Sudan and the region. 

 

At the United Nations we fully embrace the important role of regional bodies on the African continent – to ensure homegrown solutions, in the spirit of African solutions to African problems. 

 

Lasting solutions to the challenges confronting South Sudan and the African continent at large cannot be imported or imposed – but must emanate from within and be nurtured and tended to blossom and grow even stronger. 

 

It is in this spirit that following its adoption by the African Union Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, in 2001 we at the United Nations welcomed and embraced the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) – as a homegrown solution designed by African leaders themselves. 

 

 

Despite the dire circumstances, I have hope. 

Hope that stems from my faith in the people of South Sudan—especially its young, as agents of change and torchbearers. 

 

In you, I sense the spirit of solidarity and a deep, urgent aspiration to come together for a brighter future; to navigate the churning seas of conflict and crises and reach the safe harbors of peace and prosperity. 

 

Through your courage, determination, passion, creativity, resilience, and strength of will, you have the power to help transform your country, your region, and perhaps the entire world. 

 

This is why I continue to engage with the youth—a priority I have remained committed to as President of the General Assembly, including through my official visits —but also by highlighting the plight of countries and communities in special circumstances. 

 

Countries such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).  

 

Countries whose communities are most vulnerable to the urgent issues facing our time, especially those that thrust deepest into the throes of violence, poverty, and disaster – even as they are too often overlooked and ignored. 

 

Rest assured, I will continue to ensure that youth voices are heard, throughout the work of the General Assembly, in accordance with the relevant mandates, and especially through important ongoing processes and upcoming events that will resonate most deeply with your concerns. 

This especially includes the upcoming Summit of the Future in September, where Member States will come together to accelerate our lagging progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and shape a consensus on what the future will look like. 

 

A future that you, the young, will have the most stake in, and whose inputs and perspectives must be prioritized, especially for its outcome documents, including the ‘Pact for the Future.’ 

The world is watching, and we are here to walk alongside you, to listen, to learn, and to act in solidarity.  

I look forward to our conversation today and to hearing your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for the future.  

 

Together, we can forge a path towards peace, prosperity, and a sustainable world. 

 

I thank you.