Youth LEAD is an initiative supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), in partnership with UNICEF, government (Ministry of culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of General Education and Instruction) and NGO partners. It recognizes and strengthens the capacity of both rights holders (children and youth) to make their claims and duty bearers (parents, communities, policy makers, government and civil society service providers) to meet their obligations; while strengthening communication between both parties and across multiple sectors. Of particular importance, the initiative engages young women and men as key actors in their own development. The same is true of key line ministries and civil society organizations (CSOs) providing services to youth. Engaging beneficiaries is intended to develop capacity, accountability, ownership, and sustainability. South Sudan has experienced more years of war than peace. But today, after a generation of war, South Sudan is facing a new moment of hope if the transitional peace opportunity is seized to promote long-term peace and development.