“Children are future leaders of South Sudan and we are delighted to have young students join us as we mark the 76^th anniversary of the United Nations,” said Sam Muhumure, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Field Office in Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Mr Muhumure was speaking to a rapt audience of UN personnel, community members, state authorities, faith-based groups and, of course, these very students from different schools across Wau.

For state Governor Sara Cleto Hassan, the occasion was equally special.

“The world is witness to the backing given to us by our partners, the UN, ever since South Sudan became an independent nation a decade ago,” stated Governor Cleto.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to UNMISS, in particular, for their steadfast support to the people and the government of Western Bahr el Ghazal as we have together progressed in overcoming the scars of conflict to build a more peaceful, prosperous future for every citizen of this state,” she continued.  

“To our humanitarian partners from the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the UN Refugee Agency and the International Organization for Migration, I extend our collective gratefulness for your assistance to the most vulnerable,” added the Governor.

Marchpasts, cultural and acrobatic performances as well as exhibitions were all part of the meaningful and colorful ceremony.

In conclusion, Mr. Muhumure called upon state authorities as well as communities to continue dialogues fostering stability and development across the state.

“I urge people of Western Bahr El Ghazal to seize this moment in time when peace, coexistence and harmony here are building confidence for displaced people to return to their homes,” averred Mr. Muhumure.

“Let us jointly commit to a peaceful dry season this year and in coming years so that we can reap peace dividends.”

UN Day is annually commemorated on 24 October.