For the next two days, we will be taking time to share with you as much information as we can about the status of implementation of the Peace Agreement and the process of its revitalisation - information that is crucial in enabling you to participate effectively.

JMEC believes that a properly inclusive revitalization process provides the most effective platform upon which to confront and resolve the severe security, governance, economic and humanitarian crises that continue to overwhelm South Sudan. As such it presents an opportunity which, if all parties involved engage in the spirit of cooperation and compromise, can set South Sudan on a path towards sustainable peace.

As I hope you are aware, the High Level Revitalization Forum commenced in Addis Ababa in December 2017 and during this first phase the parties committed themselves to end the fighting. Consequently, on 21st December 2017, all parties signed an Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (CoHA). This was an important first step in laying the foundation for revitalization of the Peace Agreement.

The Revitalisation Forum reconvened for a second phase in February 2018 and over the course of eleven days, the Forum focused on the revitalisation of Chapters I and II of the Agreement, with some good progress being made.

Although a short delay has been announced by IGAD, we fully expect the third phase of the revitalisation forum to convene within the next few weeks and we hope that further progress will be made.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Teachers play such an important role in every community in every country in the world and that most specifically includes South Sudan. Your critical rolein supporting peace-building and shaping the next generation cannot be understated. We recognize yourrole as vital agents of change, and we seek to involve youinourpublic information campaign so that you can effectively add yourvoice to the debate.

There can be no doubt that we have experienced set-backs in the implementation of the 2015 Peace Agreement, but we hope that, with greater knowledge and understanding, you will continue to engage positively in the Peace process. I am delighted to know that part of your deliberations at this Workshop will focus on identifying various opportunities for greater and more effective engagement.

And so I conclude by welcoming you once again, wishing you a productive debate and fruitful deliberations, and declaring this Workshop officially open.

Thank you very much.