JUBA—The sixth Derik Cultural Festival will take place from November 7 to 14 at the University of Juba’s Main Campus, with organisers seeking to promote peace, reconciliation and civic engagement through cultural activities.
The festival, held under the theme “Advancing Peace Through Culture,” honors the late Derik Uya Alfred, who championed cultural development across Sudan and South Sudan and viewed culture as a tool for nation-building, unity and reconciliation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Juba on Monday, Mathiang Cirilo, the chairperson of the organizing committee said this year’s theme reaffirms the festival’s commitment to Derik Alfred’s vision.
“This theme reaffirms our commitment to the vision of our mentor, Derik Alfred, who steadfastly viewed cultural engagement as a bridge to peace, and peace as the essential foundation for progress and prosperity,” he said.
This year’s festival will also honour Prof. Peter Adwok Nyaba for his contributions to discussions on governance and reform, particularly his proposals for national dialogue.
“In line with these principles, this year’s festival proudly honors Prof. Peter Adwok Nyaba. His intellectual contributions, marked by analytical rigor and clarity, have been vital in driving continuous dialogue on governance and reform. A cornerstone of his work, the concept of a ‘House of Nationalities,’ remains an indispensable framework for building a peaceful society rooted in ongoing, constructive dialogue,” Mathiang.
Acia Eunice Joseph, project officer at Markaz Al Salam, the festival’s peacebuilding and civic engagement partner, said the organisation plans to establish a Youth and Civic Engagement Pavilion featuring intergenerational dialogue, debates and simulated parliamentary sessions.
She said the activities are intended to give young people a platform to discuss peace, engage in democratic processes and make public commitments to unity.
“This platform will create opportunities for young people to engage in intergenerational dialogue, participate in debates, express democratic processes through more parliamentary sessions and make public commitments to peace and unity,” she said.
“We are particularly intentional about the participation of young women, grassroots youth and persons with disabilities. Inclusion must go beyond inviting people into a space.”
Eunice said sustainable peace must be built within communities rather than depend solely on political agreements.
The festival will also feature street theatre, radio dramas, cultural performances and digital campaigns aimed at extending peace messages beyond the event venue.
The festival is being organised in partnership with the University of Juba’s School of Arts, Music and Drama, Markaz Al-Salam and Norwegian People’s Aid. Other sponsors include Digital Telecommunications, the Center for Strategic and Policy Studies, Zack for Print and Design, the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, Black Lion Medical Center, Fair Pharma and Million Items.
