Community Radio Revival in South Sudan to Feature at UNESCO Event

(PARIS) – UNESCO will host a special session on South Sudan’s peacebuilding efforts on 9 July 2026, marking the 15th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The Spotlight Session will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and is organised by the Priority Africa and External Relations Sector, the UNESCO National Office for South Sudan in Juba, and the Permanent Delegation of South Sudan to UNESCO.

Government representatives, UNESCO Member States, development partners, youth representatives, and United Nations officials are expected to attend.

South Sudan continues to face conflict, climate shocks, displacement, political instability, and economic hardship.

Despite these difficulties, the country is advancing national efforts to promote peace and resilience with the support of UNESCO’s multisectoral programmes.

The session will provide an opportunity to showcase South Sudan’s priorities, present achievements, and demonstrate how UNESCO’s integrated approach contributes to sustainable peace and development.

The session will open with high-level remarks from UNESCO leadership.

A video message from Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, will follow.

Mr. Benjamin Aban Raphael, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Delegation of South Sudan to UNESCO, will also address participants.

The programme will focus on three key themes that reflect UNESCO’s contribution to peacebuilding.

The first session will cover empowering crisis-affected people through transforming education and skills development for peacebuilding.

It will present the role of education and technical and vocational education and training in creating opportunities for young people and strengthening social cohesion.

Participants will hear testimonies from graduates of a TVET programme supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

A video message from the South Sudanese representative of the SDG4 Youth Network will be shown.

Hon. Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction and Chair of the South Sudan National Commission for UNESCO, will deliver remarks.

The second session will explore safeguarding heritage in crisis for peacebuilding.

It will examine how the protection and promotion of cultural and natural heritage can strengthen identity, dialogue, and resilience.

A video on the Torit Cultural Festival will be screened.

Joint messages from the Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage and the Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism will provide insight into South Sudan’s efforts to preserve its heritage despite ongoing challenges.

The third session will examine connecting communities for peacebuilding.

It will focus on the importance of communication and access to information in fostering peaceful and inclusive societies.

A video will present a Japan International Cooperation Agency supported initiative to rehabilitate community radio stations ahead of elections.

The video will illustrate how local media can reconnect communities, encourage civic participation, and contribute to conflict prevention.

An interactive discussion will provide an opportunity for Member States, partners, and participants to exchange views on integrated approaches to peacebuilding.

These approaches combine education, culture, communication, and information.

The event will conclude with closing remarks by Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.

Through bringing together South Sudanese institutions, international partners, and UNESCO stakeholders, the Spotlight Session aims to raise awareness of the country’s context and the impact of UNESCO’s work on the ground.

It also seeks to strengthen partnerships and mobilise support for initiatives that reinforce the peace, humanitarian and development link while empowering communities and building lasting resilience.

The Paris gathering follows a significant step by South Sudan this month towards international recognition of its natural heritage.

South Sudan formally submitted the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape for consideration on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The submission was made during a meeting at UNESCO Headquarters between UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Anany, Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, and Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Denay Jock Chagor.

The talks centred on South Sudan’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich natural and cultural heritage, with discussions covering ongoing initiatives to safeguard important national sites and ecosystems.

The nomination will now be reviewed by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during its session scheduled to take place in Busan in July.

A successful outcome would see the site added to the World Heritage List, boosting global recognition of South Sudan’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Government officials said the nomination reflects the country’s commitment to protecting its unique wildlife migration routes and natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

The Boma-Badingilo ecosystem is recognised as one of Africa’s most important wildlife landscapes and is home to one of the world’s largest land mammal migrations.