Juba convention spotlights digital-age cohesion
The Aweil Graduates’ Association (AGA) on Sunday held a high-level convention in Juba under the theme “Reclaiming Our Shared Values in the Digital Age,” framing togetherness as a core measure of community strength.
The gathering drew senior government officials, policymakers, academics, professionals, graduates, business unions, and members of the Aweil community. Discussions centred on unity, social responsibility, and ethical engagement as digital platforms increasingly shape public life.
Office of the President urges unity online
James Deng Wal, Executive Director in the Office of the President, attended as Guest of Honour, representing President Salva Kiir Mayardit. He described cohesion and shared values as nationally significant amid fast-moving online debates.
“Digital platforms should be tools for unity, not division,” Deng Wal said. “Freedom in the digital space comes with responsibility,” he added, warning that posts and shares can have lasting consequences for society.
ICT minister highlights opportunities and discipline
National Minister of ICT and Postal Services Ateny Wek Ateny participated as Patron of the Day, alongside Hussein Abdallah Akol, National Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Gen. Deng Wol, and former Northern Bahr el Ghazal governor Garang Deng Aguer, among others.
Ateny Wek encouraged young people to harness the digital age for innovation, learning, and connection, while avoiding misuse. “Our shared values must guide how we engage online,” he said, tying ethics to practical digital citizenship.
Cybercrime law cited as guardrail for public discourse
The minister also urged social media users to remain mindful of the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act. He said enforcement mechanisms exist and indicated the law would apply to those abusing platforms to spread hate, misinformation, or incitement.
Graduates’ association frames responsibility as development tool
Panellists and community leaders argued that graduates and professionals have an outsized role in shaping digital conversations. They called for online engagement that prioritises dialogue, unity, and national development over polarisation.
AGA Chairman Angelo Tong Dut said the convention sought to strengthen bonds among graduates and encourage constructive participation across social and digital platforms. “Our shared values and togetherness must guide how we interact,” he said.
Cultural performances reinforce shared identity message
Organising Committee Chairman Lino Ngor Atuer thanked participants and described the convention as a timely platform for young people navigating the digital era. He urged members to use social media positively while embracing technology responsibly.
The programme included cultural performances by various artists, presented as a reminder of South Sudan’s diversity. Organisers said the artistic segment reinforced the wider message of unity and shared identity.
AGA mandate links intellectual discourse to cohesion
AGA is described as a professional body bringing together graduates from Aweil and beyond. Its stated mandate includes promoting intellectual discourse, community development, and national cohesion, with the Juba convention positioned as a practical expression of those aims (Eye Radio).