South Sudan student at OU selected for prestigious Geneva Forum

Hyderabad: Paul Kuot Garang Manguak, a first-year BA (EPP) student of the University Post Graduate College, Secunderabad, and a national of South Sudan, has been selected to participate in the Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026, scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3rd to 6th September 2026.

The OU office of International Students’ Affairs said on Monday that the event is being organised by the Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), Canada. The Youth Empowerment Forum is an internationally recognised platform that brings together promising young leaders, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from over 150 countries to promote leadership, policy dialogue, innovation, and global collaboration.

Paul has been selected under the Partially Funded Delegate category, which includes four-star hotel accommodation, meals during the forum, airport transfers, participation in official sessions, institutional visits, leadership certification, networking opportunities, and eligibility to compete for the USD 1,000 SDGs Action Grant.

The Office of International Affairs, Osmania University, has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) permitting the student to travel to Switzerland for the event and return to continue his academic programme. The NOC was issued after verification of his bona fide student status and academic records.

On this occasion, Paul Kuot Garang Manguak met Prof. B. Vijaya, Director, Office of International Affairs, Osmania University, to express his gratitude and receive best wishes before his international visit. Prof. B. Vijaya congratulated the student and wished him success in representing Osmania University and South Sudan on a global platform. She said that the Office of International Affairs remains committed to encouraging international exposure and leadership opportunities for its foreign and Indian students.