International Union of Socialist Youth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY)

Abbreviation	IUSY
Motto	All over the world to change it!
Formation	24 August 1907
Type	International youth non-governmental organization
Purpose	World federation of socialist, social democratic and labour youth organizations
Headquarters	Amtshausgasse 4, 1050 Vienna, Austria
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	163
Official language	English, Spanish, French
President	Jesus Tapia
Secretary General	Bruno Gonçalves
Main organ	World Congress
Affiliations	Socialist International Progressive Alliance

The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is a global group started in 1907. It helps young people learn about and work for a better world. IUSY publishes information, supports its member groups, and organizes meetings. It began as the youth part of the Second International and was first called the Socialist Youth International.

Today, IUSY has 145 member groups from 106 countries. These include 122 full members and 23 observer members. Since 1993, IUSY has been recognized by the UN ECOSOC. This means it can advise the UN on youth issues.

A Look at IUSY's History

How IUSY Started

On August 24–27, 1907, 20 young people from 13 countries met in Stuttgart, Germany. They created the Socialist Youth International. This was the youth group for the Second International. Its main office was set up in Vienna, Austria. It has stayed there for most of its history.

The group held big meetings in 1910 and 1912. They planned another meeting for 1914, but it was canceled. This happened because of the start of World War I.

Standing Up for Peace

Before World War I, countries in Europe became more focused on their own nations and military power. When the war began in 1914, most political parties supported their countries' war efforts. However, the Socialist Youth International strongly opposed the war. They believed in peace and stood against militarism.

The organization had to move its office to Zurich. From there, they published a magazine called Youth International. It called for peace and had to be shared secretly. Fighting for peace became a very important part of the group's work.

Changes After the Wars

In 1919, a new group called the Communist International formed in Moscow. This split the worker's and youth movements into two different paths. The socialist and social-democratic youth groups came back together in 1921. They reformed as the International Socialist Youth Movement.

In 1925, Italy came under fascist rule. The youth group from Italy could no longer join the ISYM's work. This marked the start of the organization's fight against fascism. In 1933, their office in Berlin had to move to Prague.

After World War II, the group changed its name. On September 30, 1946, at a meeting in Paris, it officially became the International Union of Socialist Youth. More youth groups from outside Europe joined. By the early 1950s, IUSY had 73 member groups from 50 countries. Since then, the organization has grown even more.

Working for Human Rights and Justice

From the 1940s to the 1960s, IUSY helped countries gain independence. They especially supported efforts in Africa and Asia. In the 1970s, IUSY spoke out against human rights problems. They worked against military governments in South America. They also started campaigns to support people, especially against leaders like Pinochet in Chile and Somoza in Nicaragua.

IUSY supported changes in Eastern Europe. They wanted these changes to help everyone, not just a few powerful people. Even though the nuclear arms race ended, new problems arose. IUSY then focused on helping with civil conflicts. They created groups like the Balkan Roundtable to help countries talk and work together.

Looking ahead, IUSY continues to work on important issues. They help member groups find ways to prevent and treat the HIV-AIDS pandemic. They also care deeply about protecting human rights and freedoms everywhere. Recent events have shown that there is still a lot of economic unfairness in the world. IUSY is committed to fighting for social justice and equality for all.

What IUSY Does

Anti Vietnam war demonstration in Vancouver, Canada, 1968.

IUSY works to promote democracy, human rights, and youth policies. They work with big international groups like the Council of Europe and the United Nations. They also talk to leaders and media to push for equal chances for young people. IUSY wants youth around the world to have the right to be involved in society and politics.

IUSY also helps young activists learn and grow. They organize conferences and support campaigns. These activities help young people understand global politics and develop new ideas.

IUSY helps its member groups become stronger. They offer a large network of support. They also hold workshops and training sessions. These help groups learn how to work for political change in their own countries.

How IUSY is Organized

The IUSY Congress is the main decision-making body. It chooses the President, Secretary General, and other leaders. The Congress and the IUSY Council meet every two years, taking turns. IUSY organizes its work at both regional and global levels.

The global Presidium includes the President, Secretary General, and 19 Vice-Presidents. They meet regularly to discuss and create new policies.

IUSY has five regional committees: American, African, Asian-Pacific, European, and Mediterranean. These committees meet once a year. IUSY also has two permanent working groups. These groups focus on specific topics like Feminism and LGBT issues.

The IUSY Secretariat manages all activities. It is led by the Secretary General. The Secretariat handles money, communication, and the daily work. IUSY uses English, French, and Spanish for its work.

The IUSY World Festival brings activists together. It happens about every two or three years.

Current Leaders and Committees

The Presidium (2021–2023)

The Presidium leads IUSY. Its members are chosen every two years at the Congress. They come from all over the world.

President:

• , JMAS, (Venezuela)

Secretary General:

• Bruno Gonçalves, (Juventude Socialista, Portugal)

Vice-Presidents:

• Darak Abdelfattah, UJSARIO, Western Sahara
• Khulekani Mondli, ANCYL NYTT, South Africa
• Amed Tiendrebeogo, UNJ-MPP, Burkina Faso
• Jeunesse RPM, Mali
• Avril Reyes Rodriguez, JRM Dominican Republic
• Agustina Rodriguez, JS, Argentina
• Bernando Meneses, JPRD, Panama
• Ricardo Lillo, JS, Chile
• Basilio Enrique Claudio, AY, Philippines
• Samantha Carin Wood, Young Labour, New Zealand
• Ana Manasieva, SDYM, North Macedonia
• Tajma Sisic, SSU Sweden
• Sarineh Abrahamian, AYF, Armenia
• Victoria Hiepe, JUSOS, Germany
• Julius Jandl, VSSTO, Austria
• Harun Muharemovic, DSU, Denmark
• Vittorio Pecoraro, GD, Italy
• Saif Aqel, FYM, Palestine

The Control Commission

The Control Commission helps make sure IUSY follows its rules and manages its finances well.

Control Commission President
Hend Mgaieth, JSD, Tunisia
Control Commission Members
Federica Polizzi, Franja Morada, Argentina
Ievgeniia Lukianchenko, Ukraine
Ricardo Ramón Rosas, JSE, Spain
Naja Malaeb, PYO, Lebanon
Permanent Invited
Young European Socialists (YES) President
ICFTU YO Secretary General

Associate Members

• Young European Socialists (YES)

IUSY Events and Gatherings

International Camps and Festivals

IUSY has held international "camps" and "festivals" since 1952. These events bring young people together from all over the world.

Partner Organizations

IUSY works with many other groups around the world. These partnerships help them achieve their goals.

Images for kids

• 

  The logo of IUSY.

See also

In Spanish: Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas para niños