Minister Nawai signs Youth and Sports policies to empower young people

2026-03-06 - 12:57

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mary Nawai Martin, has signed the National Youth Development Policy 2025 and the National Sports Policy to formalize strategies for youth and sports development in South Sudan. Speaking after signing the policies, Minister Martin said they will strengthen sports institutions, improve infrastructure, and expand opportunities for youth participation in competitive and recreational sports at local, national, and international levels. She added that when youth are equipped with skills and opportunities, they can become innovators, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, and leaders. However, she warned that neglecting young people and denying them useful skills or employment could lead to lost potential and contribute to instability. According to the Minister, the National Youth Development Policy provides strategic direction for youth development, including skills training, employment opportunities, leadership development, and increased participation of young people in national decision-making. “These policies are therefore essential. The youth development policy provides a comprehensive framework to guide investment in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and leadership. Through this policy, we are strengthening structures that promote participation, inclusion, and equal opportunities for young women and men across the Republic of South Sudan,” she said, speaking to the media on Thursday. Meanwhile, the National Sports Policy seeks to harness the power of sports to promote unity, discipline, health, and talent development among young people. “When young people are empowered, skilled, and supported, they can become innovators, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, and leaders. But when they are neglected and lack useful skills, their potential is lost to unemployment and they may contribute to instability in our country,” she added. In October 2025, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly passed the National Youth Development Policy 2025, mandating that young people hold at least 20 percent of positions in national and state governments. The policy also pledges that 10 percent of the national budget will be allocated to youth-related projects. It defines youth as individuals aged 15 to 35 in a country where more than 70 percent of the population is under 30.