July 28, 2026 – Sustainable peace begins with local leadership. WPDI South Sudan recently brought together 100 community leaders from across Western Equatoria, South Sudan, to strengthen the skills and the capacities needed to address conflict at its roots. Over five days, leaders from Yambio and Maridi participated in intensive peacebuilding and leadership training led by our Youth Peacemakers and staff. Designed to equip participants with practical tools for conflict analysis, mediation, active listening, and problem-solving, the program engaged 60 participants in Yambio and another 40 in Maridi. This created a space where leaders from diverse sectors could learn from one another while building a shared vision for more peaceful communities.
Participants represented a broad cross-section of society, including county authorities, the State Peace Commission, Parent-Teacher Associations, education officials, land authorities, municipal representatives, the Ministry of General Education, and women and youth-led organizations. By bringing together voices that do not always have the opportunity to collaborate, the training strengthened relationships across institutions and reinforced the importance of collective leadership in preventing conflict.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored practical approaches to resolving disputes peacefully while reflecting on the role leaders play in fostering trust, dialogue, and resilience. The diversity of perspectives enriched discussions, allowing participants to exchange experiences, identify shared challenges, and develop solutions that can be adapted within their own communities.
For many, the training offered not only new skills but also renewed hope:
« This training has inspired us to move beyond a culture of violence and work towards establishing a lasting culture of peace. We are committed to applying what we have learned and sharing it with our communities so that together we can build a more peaceful future. »
— Faiza Tuna, PTA Member
Participants also emphasized the importance of extending peace education beyond government institutions and into local communities.
« It is vital to empower individuals at the grassroots level to cultivate a culture of peace. By bringing this training closer to our communities, we can build a stronger foundation for lasting change. »
— Abishai Gideon, County Education Department
Others reflected on the practical impact the training will have on their daily work.
« I gained invaluable knowledge in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and emotional awareness. I now feel empowered to mediate disputes and foster dialogue within my community, helping to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships. »
— Suzan Tito Taban, Inspector for Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Maridi County
As WPDI continues expanding its peacebuilding efforts across South Sudan, investing in local leadership remains central to creating lasting change. By equipping community leaders with practical skills and strengthening collaboration across institutions, the initiative is helping communities build the foundations for a more peaceful, resilient future, one leader at a time.
Thanks to the support of a foundation that wishes to remain anonymous