More than an assembly, a meeting between brothers and sisters
“This 21st General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) is more than a meeting. It is a space for encounter between sister nations, an opportunity to reaffirm our bonds of solidarity, to collectively reflect on the challenges we face, and to build shared responses together.”
Sergio José Ruiz Mazuelas, president of the WFDY, spoke of these sentiments to the participants of the meeting, held in Namibia. A Cuban delegation led by Meyvis Estévez EchevarrÃa, First Secretary of the National Committee of the Union of Young Communists (UJC), attended the meeting. This Friday, in fact, was dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the most pressing problems facing the world.
For this reason, Ruiz asserted, “from our different corners of the world, we share a common history of struggle against oppression and exclusion” and that today, “in the face of current challenges—neocolonialism, the climate crisis, growing inequality—we know that only through unity, mutual respect, and international cooperation can we advance toward more just and humane societies.”
Ruiz Mazuelas’s words also expressed his gratitude to Namibia, “a land of resilience and dignity,” which is hosting this important meeting with more than 150 participants representing 78 organizations from 57 countries. He also evaluated the work carried out by the WFDY in recent years and defined activities for the coming period.
Photo: Yuniel Labacena Romero
Then, he expressed his deepest gratitude to the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) Party for “its generous hospitality and tireless commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and unity among peoples.” He noted that its history, shaped by the struggle for independence and the building of a democratic nation, remains a guiding light for those who believe that another world is possible.
Furthermore, Ruiz warmly greeted the youth of the SWAPO Party Youth League and affirmed that their energy, critical awareness, and firm commitment to the future of Namibia and Africa are a testament to the transformative power of organized youth. “You represent not only the future, but also the present of our struggles and our hopes.”
Finally, the WFDY President paid tribute to the leader of this nation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose leadership, both in her country and internationally, is a source of inspiration for all those working for a more just, equal, and free world. “Thank you, Madam President, for your presence, your example, and your support for this Assembly,” he said.
In the delegates’ interventions, it was agreed that youth have always been a vital force in the development of societies, and when numerous countries are victims of sanctions, plunder, occupation, exploitation of their peoples, and so on, the new generations must continue to join the struggle of resistance against imperialism to achieve peace, sovereignty, and social justice for all nations.
Retrieved from Juventud Rebelde: Más que asamblea, encuentro entre hermanos – Juventud Rebelde – Diario de la juventud cubana
