EU Speed Dating Event Sparks Call for More Engagement

First row: UJOSS' SG Daniel Majak and Lukas from the German Embassy engaging during the speed dating event.

The Speed Dating event held last Tuesday as part of the Europe Week celebrations was a success, with participants calling for more such events in future. 

Bringing together young, enterprising professionals from the fields of communication, law and civil society, the event created a unique platform for direct interaction with EU officials. With the aim of promoting transparency, openness, and accountability between the European Union and the people of South Sudan, the initiative was designed under the theme “Speed Dating an EU Official”. 

In his opening remarks, H.E. Pelle Enarsson, the EU Ambassador to the republic of South Sudan, said the speed dating  event aimed at building a culture of openness and strengthening relations between the EU and citizens of South Sudan. 

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Ambassador Enarsson, listening keenly to Ms Mary Ajith, the JHR Coordinator.

“Unlike other events, this speed dating session is intended to foster a culture of transparency, openness and accountability between the European Union and the citizens of the Republic of South Sudan,” he said. “It gives our guests the chance to understand what we do, how we do it, and when and where.” 

Participants described the event as informative, engaging and timely. Mr Sambro Lupai, a renowned MC and Executive Director of IAM Peace, said the session was highly enriching and recommended that more such events be organised. 

“I thought it was impressive to be able to talk to some of the EU decision makers. It was a very open-minded space, and I was able to share some of the concepts we have at IAM Peace,” said Mr Lupai. “Time was short, though. We should have had 15 minutes per person.” 

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Mr Sambro Lupai of I Am Peace, chatting to Mr William Wolit of the EU Delegation.

Ms Marilyn Eiyo Remijous, the founder and CEO of Remijous Academy, a legal organisation offering mentorship programmes to young legal professionals, also praised the initiative. 

“Participating in the Speed Dating event provided valuable insights into EU policies, funding mechanisms, and their implementation in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, as well as highlighting opportunities for collaboration with young professionals,” she said.

Ambassador Enarsson, Lothar Jaschke (Deputy Head of Delegation), Panagiotis Kavlakonis (Head of Finance and Contract Section), Barbara Egger (Team Leader), William Wolit, Kenyi Kilombe, Vittoria Longato and Sunday Aryemo Lotidak, all project managers in the Cooperation Section of the Delegation, along with a representative from an EU Member State, also participated in the Speed Dating event as EU officials.

"The Europe Week speed dating event was highly interactive, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with participants from a variety of sectors and professional backgrounds. The discussions were constructive and insightful, offering a good platform for networking, idea exchange, and strengthening collaboration opportunities," Ms Aryemo said. 

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Participants actively engaging during the speed dating event held at the conference hall on 4 May.

The success of the event highlights the growing interest among South Sudanese youth and professionals in engaging with international partners and understanding their role in the country. It also underscores the value of open dialogue in fostering stronger partnerships and mutual understanding.

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EU's Sunday Lotidak posing for a photo with the Remijous Academy team after the speed dating event on 5 May.