Latest news with #youthParticipation
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Youth participation in inclusive governance critical for South Sudan's future
'Any citizen of sound mind, who is 18 and above, has the right to register and vote in this country's elections,' stated George Lemi Yata. Mr. Yata is the Spokesperson of South Sudan's National Elections Commission (NEC), the body charged with overseeing the implementation of this long-awaited electioneering process. He was speaking at a lecture for some 400 students drawn from four universities in the capital city, Juba, including Starford International University, Upper Nile University, Catholic University, and the University of Juba. In response, participating students had animated discussions: Many contended that it was vital to conduct elections within the prescribed timeframe—currently, December 2026—while others raised questions on the feasibility of holding a credible electoral process without first actioning a national population census and drafting a permanent constitution. For his part, Spokesperson Yata, advised youth to embrace their individual roles and responsibilities in building a more peaceful, prosperous future for all South Sudanese. 'Some 70 percent of South Sudan's population is under the age of 30,' said Mr. Yata. 'The country relies on you to provide energy and dynamism as it prepares to head to the polls. There are opportunities available for each of you to be actively involved: You can join political parties, support campaigns, help enhance civic and voter education, as well as act as electoral observers during polling, ballot counting and tallying of votes.' Adrew Makuei, a student reading International Relations says he is ready. 'I want to exercise my right to vote and choose leaders I have faith in. But I also realise that there's much more to be done before we head to the ballot boxes, such as raising awareness among our communities about the role every citizen has to play,' he said. Monica Nyandeng, another student, agreed. 'I'm going to help educate my peers about the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and, of course on why we all need to contribute to a peaceful electoral process,' she stated. For his part, Guy Gabriel, the communications advisor for the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which oversees, monitors, and evaluates the implementation of the peace agreement, highlighted that a stable peace and security situation is essential for elections. 'Urgent action is needed to rekindle the peace process,' stated Mr. Gabriel. 'it's vital that all political detainees are released, reunification of forces is prioritized and Parties to the Revitalized Agreement desist from unilateral actions.' RJMEC wasn't alone in urging key political players to uphold the peace agreement in letter and spirit. Patrick Oyet, the Chair of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan(UJOSS) and member of the National Constitutional Review Commission, emphasized the importance of the constitution-making process. 'It's important to have a constitution because it provides the framework for power structures, guarantees human rights for everyone and sets up laws for the country,' Mr. Oyet said, stressing the need for progress in this regard. These real time political challenges are made even more cogent with ongoing regional insecurity, an economic crisis and climate shocks such as floods, explained Grace Maina, a Political Affairs Officer, working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). 'The reason we are bringing you, as young people, together to speak about these issues is because this is your country and your voices matter. So, the more well-informed you are about current affairs, the more you can influence public opinion—in your families, in your neighborhoods and your communities,' she added. 'For us, as UNMISS, we stand with this country and its people in their quest for a better, more democratic future.' This is an ongoing series of dialogues supported by the UN Peacekeeping mission, RJMEC and Come Let's Read Initiative, a civil society organization. The next lecture will take place at The Catholic University on Friday, 27 June 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Rukun Tetangga turns 50 with fresh focus on youth, unity and volunteerism, says deputy unity minister
CHUKAI, June 21 — The National Unity Ministry is implementing various initiatives to boost youth participation in Rukun Tetangga (RT) activities, said Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy. She said this includes introducing the Progressive Rukun Tetangga Area (KRT) concept, which involves community-based economic projects aimed at increasing household income, particularly among young people. 'This year marks the 50th anniversary of RT. What started as a community safety team has now grown to include initiatives such as the Unity Squad and patrol units, among others. 'Therefore, we are encouraging more young people to join RT so they can play an active role within their communities,' she told reporters after officiating the Terengganu-level Unity Week celebration at Arena Square here today. Also present was state Welfare, Women's Development, Family and National Unity Committee chairman Maliaman Kassim. Saraswathy said there are currently 8,565 KRT nationwide, including more than 500 in Terengganu, serving as the backbone of the government's efforts to foster community unity. She said this reflects the growing spirit of volunteerism and consensus among Malaysians. 'RTs also play an important role in addressing issues or tensions within communities, including incidents that go viral on social media. They consistently work together with authorities such as the Royal Malaysia Police to help defuse such situations,' she said. — Bernama
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) launches country-wide youth consultations on the political process and starts by meeting youth in four cities
Youth represent 38 per cent of the population (NESDB statistics) in Libya and their voices must be included in the political process. To support this, in addition to its regular meetings with youth (aged 18-35), the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is launching a wider programme with the aim to engage 500 young men and women across Libya in the coming months. As part of its broader efforts to engage the community on the Advisory Committee's recommendations on how to take Libya to elections and unify institutions, UNSMIL is conducting dedicated meetings with youth representatives, both online and in-person. More information about how young men and women can get involved can be found here. In addition, UNSMIL has also launched an online poll to ensure that a wider audience can be reached. 'As we develop the next steps of the political process, we want to hear everyone's views,' said Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh. 'Youth are a driving force that can help shape the future of this country. They have specific needs and concerns, and they bring different perspectives that can inform decision-making. We want to hear directly from them because a process that is meant for the Libyan people needs the meaningful participation of all Libyan people.' UNSMIL has already met with youth in Zintan, Misrata, Benghazi and Nalut to discuss the Advisory Committee recommendations. Participants called for better access to economic and employment opportunities, unified government institutions, more representation and inclusion in decision-making processes, access to services, fair and equitable resource distribution. They also shared their ideas around decentralisation and political inclusion. Through these consultations and online polling, the Mission will capture youth recommendations and ideas and ensure they are fed into the decision-making process on next steps. UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee's Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. The public consultation and survey ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer: Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously; Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution; Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution. More information on the youth consultations and how to get involved can be found here. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR aims at 40% women, youth candidates for GE16
PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar stressed that a party in government must remain resilient and continue strengthening its ideals. JOHOR BAHRU : PKR wants at least 40% of its candidates in the 16th general election (GE16) to be women and youths, its deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar said. She said a major focus of the PKR congress was on how the party can carry out internal reforms to better equip the party to face future challenges. 'As we move into the 24 months leading up to GE16, we aim to fully harness the power and voices of women and young people,' she told a press conference after the congress at the Persada International Convention Centre. She said that a party in government must remain resilient and continue strengthening its ideals. 'Whether one wins or loses in this round of party elections, the most important thing is to uphold our camaraderie,' she added. Separately, Nurul Izzah praised former PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for openly expressing his thoughts to party delegates. 'Today isn't just about the speeches. We want everyone at every level, from central, state or division, to meet and reflect, offering constructive criticism and continuing to work together,' she added. Earlier, Saifuddin, speaking in his capacity as Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, admitted that he feared the possibility of the party losing Rafizi Ramli. The home minister said he had mixed feelings after the results of the deputy president race were announced in favour of Nurul Izzah yesterday. Nurul Izzah secured 9,803 votes, winning in the straight fight with Rafizi for the party's deputy presidency.
