International Youth Day 2025: Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future

On 12 August 2025, Eden Foundation (EDF), in partnership with AMETAL Africa and Scenius Hub, proudly hosted International Youth Day 2025 at Scenius Hub, Juba. The event ran under the theme “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”, bringing together young leaders, innovators, government officials, development partners, and community members for a full day of inspiration, dialogue, and recognition.

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Why This Day Matters

With more than 70% of South Sudan’s population under 30, youth are at the center of building sustainable and inclusive communities. Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure, skills gaps, and economic barriers, young people continue to create digital platforms, launch environmental projects, and use entrepreneurship to solve pressing local issues.

International Youth Day 2025 was designed to:

• Showcase youth innovation and solutions.

• Foster dialogue between youth and policymakers.

• Build skills and capacity in digital, environmental, and leadership spaces.

• Inspire collective action for a sustainable future.

What Happened on the Day

✨ Welcome Remarks: EDF’s Abul Majur and Scenius Hub’s Nelson Kwaje opened the event by highlighting the importance of amplifying youth voices in shaping South Sudan’s future.

✨ Government Remarks: Hon. Yar Telar Deng (MP, Yirol West) and Dwatuka Ngoni (Green Climate Fund) commended EDF for creating an inclusive platform for youth action.

✨ Panel I – Gender Inclusivity & Civic Engagement: Panelists from Eve Organisation, SSBA, and grassroots women’s groups explored how young women can take greater roles in civic spaces.

✨ Panel II – Grassroots Leadership for National Development: Leaders from youth unions and associations discussed the power of grassroots leadership in driving community transformation.

✨ Panel III – Innovation, Tech & Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs from Igele Farms, Aramweer, and the tech ecosystem shared lessons on scaling innovative solutions.

✨ Public Lecture: Dr. Hussein Hassan (UNFPA) delivered an inspiring lecture on youth and climate action, linking leadership to environmental resilience.

✨ Exhibitions & Networking: Youth innovators showcased projects ranging from climate-smart agriculture to renewable energy, followed by vibrant networking sessions.

Celebrating Youth Excellence: EDF Youth Innovation Award

One of the most exciting moments of the day was the EDF Youth Awards 2025.

🏆 Crop Guard emerged as the winner of the EDF Youth Innovation Award 2025 for the most outstanding innovation. The project was recognized for its groundbreaking work in protecting crops from pests and environmental threats, helping farmers improve food security through sustainable practices.

Other youth innovators were also recognized for their projects in renewable energy, digital learning, and entrepreneurship. Each awardee received a certificate of recognition, mentorship opportunities, and visibility on EDF’s platforms.