JUBA, South Sudan — South Sudan has launched a renewed push to ensure that cultural heritage remains part of Juba’s future development, as authorities discuss stronger protection for historic locations across the capital.

Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage Sarah Nyanath Yong recently met Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Michael Changjiek Gay to discuss how heritage protection can be incorporated into urban planning.

The two ministries highlighted the importance of identifying and safeguarding historic sites, buildings, monuments, memorials and cultural landscapes that could be affected by expanding construction and land development.

The initiative comes as South Sudan seeks to strengthen its national cultural identity and preserve important parts of its history for future generations. It also follows renewed government attention to cultural diplomacy and the protection of South Sudanese cultural property held outside the country.

Cultural preservation is increasingly being viewed as an important part of national development, particularly as South Sudan works to document and safeguard its diverse traditions and living heritage. UNESCO currently lists an ongoing Yigga nomination for South Sudan and has active capacity-building work connected to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

For Juba, the challenge will be balancing modern urban growth with the protection of places that tell South Sudan’s historical and cultural story.