BoSS hosts sports financing conference

A major sports financing conference bringing together commercial banks, finance institutions government, sports federations, diplomatic corps amongst others is being hosted by the Bank of South Sudan. The conference running between 27^th and 29^th November 2024, is an initiative from the National Ministry of Youth and Sports which aims to use sports as a vehicle of peacebuilding in the country.

During the official opening of the function, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Ramadan Abdala Goc, who represented the President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, said sports is a source of national pride and identity. He said sports financing should be the responsibility of all including the private sector. "As the minister of Foreign Affairs, I will make recommendation of two - to - three Sportsmen to our President to appoint them as Ambassadors to help in promoting our talents abroad," Goc revealed.

On the other hand, the National Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech said South Soudan has abundance of talents that should be harnessed for achievement their potentials. Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, said that "this conference is not a fundraising event, but it is an opportunity to explore investment prospects," Dr. Geng clarified.

Hon. Governor of the Bank of South Sudan Hon. Dr. James Alic welcomed the participants to BoSS' premises and said, "Let us invest in our youth, our future leaders, and nation's Ambassadors. By doing so, we not only elevate individuals but also lay a groundwork for a prosperous and united South Sudan."

Dr. Alic further urged everyone to recognize the power of sports for unity and development, ''Let us commit to playing sports as a cornerstone of our development strategy. Together we can build a brighter future for South Sudan, where unity, development and national pride thrive."

The Three days conference is being attended by over 400 participants which include the States Ministers of Youth and Sports, Sports Federations, foreign diplomats, donors, business representative and Investors.