Deputy President of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) Meets the Deputy Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in South Sudan

Juba – 15 October 2025

As part of the official visits conducted by the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) to strengthen communication with member states and expand avenues of youth cooperation, Mr. Philip Lawrence — Deputy President of the Council for the English-speaking group — met with Mr. Simon Kun Puoc, Deputy Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Head of Political and Organizational Affairs in the Republic of South Sudan.

Juba – 15 October 2025

As part of the official visits conducted by the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) to strengthen communication with member states and expand avenues of youth cooperation, Mr. Philip Lawrence — Deputy President of the Council for the English-speaking group — met with Mr. Simon Kun Puoc, Deputy Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Head of Political and Organizational Affairs in the Republic of South Sudan.

During the meeting, Mr. Lawrence provided a detailed briefing on the Afro-Arab Youth Council, outlining its journey since establishment and its continuous role in empowering youth and promoting joint action between Africa and the Arab world. He also highlighted South Sudan’s active role in supporting the Council’s activities since officially joining in 2015, noting its representation in the position of Deputy President for English-speaking countries.

Mr. Lawrence further presented a report on his participation in the International Day of Peace events held in Cameroon from 20 to 24 September 2025, summarizing the key outcomes and recommendations. He also shared an initial concept for a youth event proposed to be hosted in Juba before the end of this year, within the Council’s plan to expand its regional programs.

For his part, Mr. Simon Kun Puoc welcomed the Deputy President and expressed appreciation for the comprehensive report presented, emphasizing the importance of supporting youth and providing them with opportunities to participate in national and continental initiatives. He further stressed the need for continuous coordination between the Council and South Sudan’s national institutions.

Mr. Puoc also welcomed any youth delegations visiting South Sudan, affirming that “The new Africa is being built by the hands of its conscious and ambitious youth.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Philip Lawrence presented the AAYC commemorative shield to Mr. Simon Kun Puoc on behalf of the Executive Committee and the leadership of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to advancing youth causes and Arab-African cooperation.