27 June 2014 - A non-violence initiative launched by UNESCO special envoy Forest Whitaker in Eastern Equatoria State today signaled hope and a brighter future for all South Sudanese, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore said in the state capital Torit today.

Speaking at the launch of the Youth Peacemaker Network, which seeks to harness the potential of youth for peace, non-violence, reconciliation and mediation in fragile contexts, Mr. Lojore urged youth to assume responsibility and leadership.

“You will get the cooperation of the government and people of Eastern Equatoria State because it is in our interest to support this programme,” he said to Mr. Whitaker.

Some 18 youths have been selected to participate in a training-of-trainers programme, which will enable them to teach other young people skills in peacebuilding, conflict resolution and mediation, as well as entrepreneurship and computer literacy.

“We are pleased to be here and we’re looking forward to working on projects that will harness the potential of the youth,” said Mr. Whitaker.

The Oscar-winning actor, accompanied by officials from telecommunication companies Zain and Ericsson, said youth would be trained to use communication technology to help them connect to promote peace.

A press release from Ericsson revealed that key partners would use different fields of expertise to support the programme across the country.

“Ericsson will provide mobile broadband connectivity, computers, and mobile phones … alongside basic (information technology) and social media training and tools for connecting teachers and students through the global education initiative Connect To Learn,” the statement said. “Zain will provide internet access through mobile broadband devices for programme participants.”

Mr. Whitaker’s PeaceEarth Foundation and UNESCO are working together with South Sudan's Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports to establish computer centers in state capitals, the statement added. The centres are intended to help participants from the Youth Peacemaker Network share experiences and access additional trainings through an online platform.

“We are committed to peacebuilding, and [we] will therefore make the best out of this programme,” said Eastern Equatoria youth leader Emmanuel Lolimo.

The Youth Peacemaker Network is one of several programmes run in the country by the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative. During a visit to the UN House protection site in Juba, he pledged to put up sports fields to boost unity. The programme is also running “Cinema for Peace”; an initiative that shows displaced people films to inspire forgiveness, reconciliation and peacebuilding.