Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to introduce myself: I am Peter Reat Gatkuoth. Hailing from the historic village of Waat in Jonglei State, nestled within South Sudan’s Greater Upper Nile Region, I am deeply rooted in a rich cultural heritage. Waat holds profound significance as the ancestral home of Ngundeng Bong, a revered prophet in South Sudan and my great-grandfather. Amidst the trials of a conflict-ridden environment, I embarked on a transformative journey, initiated into military training at the tender age of 15, where I became a child soldier within the Red Army.

In recent years, my dedication has been channeled into serving the Ministry of Petroleum in South Sudan, where I have traversed various sectors within the Oil and Gas industry. From leading as Section Head for Policy and Services to navigating the intricacies of Human Resource Management, my journey has been enriched by experiences within esteemed organizations such as Nile Petroleum Corporation, Nile Drilling, and Dar Petroleum Operating Company.

Fueled by an unwavering passion to address Africa’s challenges, I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree specializing in Leadership and Policy. This dynamic field enthralls me for its potential to ignite progress not only within my homeland but across the continent. Through this academic pursuit, I aim to cultivate indispensable skills for future leadership roles while contributing to the discourse on African issues.

My upbringing, rooted in democratic principles, profoundly shapes my approach to leadership. Inspired by my parents’ unwavering advocacy for democratic governance amidst South Sudan’s struggle against governance steeped in Islamic principles, I hold steadfast to the transformative power of democratic leadership. This guiding principle informs both my academic endeavors and professional undertakings.

Beyond my corporate engagement, I serve as a lecturer at the University of Juba. My academic voyage is marked by diverse pursuits, including degrees in Sociology, International Law and Human Rights, Oil and Gas Law, Public Policy, and Environmental Health and Safety Management. This multidisciplinary approach underscores my commitment to addressing multifaceted societal challenges.

At present, I am deeply immersed in a research endeavor examining the long-term impacts of international collaborations on higher education in South Sudan. Focusing on esteemed institutions like the University of Juba and Upper Nile University, this study seeks to unravel the transformative effects of collaborative initiatives on institutional development and educational outcomes, offering invaluable insights for strategic planning.

In the spirit of M. Gandhi’s non-violent ethos, I aspire to ignite inspiration, foster learning, and cultivate transformative leadership within society. With unwavering determination and dedication, I endeavor to pave the way towards a brighter future, not only for South Sudan but for all who seek progress.

Thank you.