Comrades,
First of all, I would like to extend a few words of thanks and greetings.
First, to the SWAPO Party, to the President of the Republic of Namibia, and to the Namibian government, and through them, to the entire Namibian people, for having warmly welcomed our Assembly and created all the conditions for its successful realization. I am certain I speak for all participants when I express our deep gratitude to you.
To all the WFDY organizations present here, and to those who, even if unable to attend, made efforts to be involved in the preparation and work of the Assembly, contributing to ensuring its success.
To the headquarters of the World Federation of Democratic Youth for the efforts made and the commitment shown in organizing this important General Assembly, which, I am sure, represents a major contribution to the development of our activities and the strengthening of WFDY.
A word also to our guests, who, with their solidarity and presence, conveyed their trust in WFDY and in our anti-imperialist struggle for the rights of youth around the world.
Last but not least, a greeting to all the young people around the world who, despite the daily difficulties they face, continue — and will continue — to fight for their rights, legitimate interests, and just aspirations.
Comrades,
This General Assembly, the 21st General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth, held under the motto: “Advance for Our Future, United Against Imperialism! For Youth Rights, Build a World of Social Justice and Equity,” is a tremendous success.
A success for the Federation, for the organizations, but more than that — a success for the youth of the world, who need and expect this to be a real contribution to advancing their struggle to win the lives they dream of and are entitled to.
For this reason, I also value the ability of all the organizations in the discussions and their contributions to the documents, which, despite our differences, made it possible to enrich the analysis of the global situation and to outline important lines of action for WFDY.
These are documents ready to be used by each organization in support of their struggle in their respective countries.
Comrades,
We are all aware of the international situation we are facing. Over the last five years, imperialism has intensified its offensive and aggression against the rights of the people, especially young people. The U.S. and its allies in the European Union and NATO are doing everything in their power to impose their domination and crush the rights of peoples and youth and their struggle to live free from exploitation and oppression.
This is particularly evident in the impoverishment of various sectors of the population, in the continued difficulties in accessing clean water, basic sanitation, food, and electricity, or in the attacks on public education, public health, housing, culture, and sports.
Furthermore, we are witnessing imperialism resorting to its most aggressive face — fascism — to impose its most reactionary measures and war upon the peoples.
Despite these challenges, the World Federation of Democratic Youth has remained the largest anti-imperialist, anti-fascist, democratic, and progressive youth front, opposing imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism.
It has remained strong thanks to each of its member organizations, which, over these past five years, have continued to coordinate efforts — while respecting their autonomy — to safeguard the interests of youth, especially their struggles for rights, progress, social justice, and lasting peace.
The youth of the world need a WFDY that continues to assert its anti-imperialist and unifying character, with initiative and engagement.
The declarations from this General Assembly constitute a message of solidarity and trust for the youth of the world — particularly toward the struggles of the Cuban and Palestinian peoples, among many other examples — to whom our Assembly extends special solidarity.
We must strengthen WFDY in every aspect — starting with the financial front. We know we are in a delicate situation, so it is essential that we get back on track to ensure that the Federation once again has the financial stability to develop and strengthen its activities. It is crucial that member organizations, within their capacities, pay their dues and also launch fundraising campaigns.
It is absolutely vital that WFDY holds its Festival — a moment to assert its values, bringing together all young people who aspire to a world of peace and justice — and also a decisive moment to provide the Federation with the means to fulfill its mission.
Additionally, all Federation bodies must meet regularly, the coordination work must be consolidated, and more camps, seminars, conferences, and campaigns must be promoted. This will be a key foundation to maximize the full potential of the Federation — its role and action.
And for that, we know the importance of thematic solidarity campaigns, which must also be a priority — especially with peoples suffering under the interference and aggression of imperialism.
We express our solidarity with the Palestinian people, who heroically resist the criminal and brutal occupation, colonization, and aggression by Israel. We demand an immediate end to the genocide and affirm that only a lasting peace in the Middle East is possible with the establishment of the State of Palestine and the fulfillment of the Palestinian people’s rights.
We express our solidarity with the Sahrawi people, who are struggling against the occupation of their territory by the Kingdom of Morocco.
We demand an end to this illegal occupation — an end to the last colony in Africa.
We express our solidarity with Cuba and its people and youth, who heroically resist the criminal and cruel economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. We demand an end to the blockade and the removal of Cuba from the illegitimate and arbitrary U.S. list of so-called “state sponsors of terrorism.”
We express our solidarity with the Bolivarian people and youth of Venezuela, who resist imperialist interference and aggression. We reaffirm our support for their struggle in defense of their sovereignty and their right to determine their own path to peace and social progress.
We express our solidarity with the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, who suffer from a war that began in 2014. We hope a political solution will soon be found — one that addresses the root causes of the conflict and paves the way for a just and lasting peace in Europe. We also express our deep solidarity with the Kononovich brothers and other anti-fascists, demand their immediate release, and call for an end to their persecution. The Federation will not let this be forgotten.
We express our solidarity with the Cypriot people and youth in their just struggle for the reunification of their homeland and the end of the illegal occupation.
We express our solidarity with all peoples fighting for their rights and sovereignty, facing the violent actions of imperialism and those who serve and submit to it.
We express our solidarity with all young people who aspire to a better life and call on them to join us in fighting for a world free from exploitation and oppression, from injustice and social inequality, from interference and war — for a world of
justice and social progress, of peace and cooperation among all peoples of the world.
To all, we say: count on WFDY!
Comrades,
As we know, the challenges are many — but the potential is even greater. Just as it was 80 years ago, and throughout these eight decades of intense action since its founding, the youth of the world need a World Federation of Democratic Youth that is even stronger and more active. And we need the youth of the world to mobilize to build a world of social justice, equity, and lasting peace.
Long live internationalist solidarity.
Long live the democratic youth of the world.
Long live the World Federation of Democratic Youth.
