🇸🇸 South Sudan - Foreign Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

Summary

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, on behalf of the country's president, addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He reaffirmed South Sudan's commitment to peace through the revitalized transitional government and requested international support for elections and constitutional reforms planned by 2026. He highlighted the impact of the ongoing Sudan conflict on South Sudan, including economic and humanitarian challenges, while emphasizing the need for climate action and gender equality. The speech concluded with calls for UN Security Council reforms to include more African representation.

Takeaways

• 🇸🇸 South Sudan extends greetings from President Salva Kiir and congratulates the President of the 79th UN General Assembly.
• 🌍 South Sudan emphasizes its commitment to peace and stability through the revitalized peace agreement, despite challenges with resources.
• 🗳️ The country is preparing for elections by December 2026, but faces financial and logistical challenges.
• 🤝 South Sudan is engaging in peace negotiations with opposition groups through Kenyan mediation.
• 🚨 The Sudan conflict has impacted South Sudan, leading to an influx of over 800,000 refugees and reducing oil revenues.
• 🌦️ South Sudan highlights the devastating effects of climate change, particularly floods and droughts, urging for global financial support.
• 📊 South Sudan is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has conducted its first voluntary national review.
• 👩‍💼 Gender equality is a priority, with South Sudan implementing initiatives to improve women's representation and support female entrepreneurs.
• 👨‍🎓 South Sudan is focusing on youth empowerment and education, working on legislation to support youth services and job creation.
• 🏥 The country acknowledges the fragile state of its healthcare system and pledges to strengthen it, especially in addressing maternal, child, and infectious diseases.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speech given by the South Sudanese Foreign Minister?

The speech focuses on South Sudan's commitment to peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, emphasizing the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and South Sudan's challenges in meeting key benchmarks for stability and development.

Why was the President of South Sudan unable to attend the UN General Assembly session?

The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, could not attend the UN General Assembly session due to competing demands back home.

What are the key global challenges highlighted in the speech?

The key global challenges mentioned include conflicts, nationalism, geopolitical competition, food insecurity, climate shocks, natural disasters, pandemics, and threats to international peace and security.

What progress has South Sudan made in its peace process?

South Sudan has made tangible progress in achieving relative peace and stability through the revitalized peace agreement, including extending the transitional period to pave the way for free and fair elections by December 2026.

Why was South Sudan’s general election postponed to December 2026?

The election was postponed to allow more time for essential security mechanisms and election-related institutions to fulfill their mandates, and for the government to mobilize funds necessary for conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

What impact has the conflict in Sudan had on South Sudan?

The conflict in Sudan has caused a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 800,000 refugees fleeing into South Sudan, putting immense pressure on South Sudan’s resources and economy, particularly its oil production.

What are South Sudan's priorities in addressing the impact of climate change?

South Sudan is focused on scaling up adaptation actions and calling for greater financial contributions from developed countries to mitigate the devastating effects of floods and droughts, which have displaced millions and caused significant loss of life.

What steps is South Sudan taking to improve gender equality?

South Sudan has made strides in gender equality by enshrining a 35% quota for women in all government structures, establishing a Women Enterprise Fund, and actively supporting the inclusion of women in governance and decision-making.

How is South Sudan working to empower its youth population?

South Sudan is developing policies aimed at empowering its youth, which make up over 70% of the population, by focusing on education, job creation, and innovation. The government is also working on legislation to establish a National Youth Service and Youth Enterprise Development Fund.

What are South Sudan’s main challenges in the health sector?

South Sudan faces challenges in its health sector due to conflict, economic crises, and climate change. The country’s health system is fragile, with high maternal and infant mortality rates. The government is committed to strengthening its health infrastructure and improving universal health coverage.