By Otto Abut
The 8th annual Governors and Chief Administrators Forum that kicked off on Tuesday 26 Nov 2024 is on its second day in Juba.
The week-long event brought together Governors from the country’s 10 States, Chief Administrators from the three Administrative Areas, International Organizations, UN Agencies, and the Diplomatic Community together to enhance national cohesion and discuss pressing challenges facing the nation.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit during his opening remarks said the governor’s forum is a platform that represents the collective will and determination to engage in meaningful dialogue to liberate the challenges facing the nation.
He therefore urged the Governors and stakeholders to continue making efforts for peace and economic growth in their states, create jobs for the youth, and prioritize agriculture in South Sudan.
“Economic recovery is crucial for our nation’s future, you need to work on building state economy and creating jobs for the youth, I encourage you to explore innovative ways to attract investment to support economic growth in your states.”
The Chief of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Nicholas Haysom emphasizes that the governors’ forum provides an opportunity for state and national governments to engage on critical issues facing the country.
He called on political leaders to act urgently to fulfill the promises made to their people through an unwavering spirit of solidarity, bold decision-making, and a clear, actionable plan to implement the peace deal.
The theme for this year’s forum is “Forging Sustainable Peace: Committed Action in the Extended R.ARCSS Transition.”