[As Delivered]
I would like to begin by thanking the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu, for being with us on this special day.
Major Majharul Nowshad is a 29-year-old army officer from Bangladesh who is serving for peace with 17³Ô¹ÏÍø in Kuajok, South Sudan.
Zekia Musa, 29, may be visually impaired but that doesn't stop this feisty young activist from advocating for the rights of disabled persons and highlighting the need to include them at all levels of decision-making. Photo by Moses Pasi/17³Ô¹ÏÍø.
19-year-old Faiza Aquila is one of the 60 beneficiaries of an 17³Ô¹ÏÍø-funded livelihood programme in conflict-ridden Rimenze, Western Equatoria. Faiza believes that the four-month training has given her hope for a better future. Photo by Denis Louro/17³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Sergeant Josephine Dei Kotei, serving as a corrections officer in Malakal, with her newly-awarded medal proudly in place. Photos: Janet Adongo/17³Ô¹ÏÍø
Nearly a decade after gaining independence, South Sudan is beginning the process of drafting a permanent constitution, which is expected to pave the way for fair elections. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø and partners supported a workshop on the subject in Juba, the country's capital, sponsored by regional and international partners, and inaugurated by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Photo by Gregorio Cunha/17³Ô¹ÏÍø.