International Congress of Antifascist Youth and Students

President Maduro celebrates his birthday at the International Congress of Antifascist Youth and Students.

Three delegates from the Central Executive Committee of the Popular Democracy Movement recently returned to Canada after participating in the International Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth & Students held in Caracas, Venezuela in late November of 2024. The Congress, hosted by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Youth, brought together over a thousand delegates, hundreds of which came from at least 72 countries around the world. Among these young delegates were leaders of political parties and social movements, peace and solidarity activists, as well as journalists and students. The incredible diversity of the delegates at the Congress - from Palestine, Angola, Bolivia, Vietnam, Tunisia, Cuba, Argentina, and many other countries - fostered a palpable sense of unity and solidarity from the outset to the closing ceremonies and beyond. 

The Congress featured a range of speakers and panelists from among the international delegates as well as political and social leaders from Venezuela, including cabinet ministers, and even President Nicolas Maduro himself. 

A common theme which recurred throughout the Congress was an understanding that across the globe, a fascist resurgence is growing, and appearing in various expressions such as Zionism, cyber-fascism, neo-colonialism, and the drive towards imperialist war, and that these expressions are interconnected, sharing their roots in the global capitalist system. 

Venezuela is no stranger to terrorist violence inflicted against its people; violence supported financially and politically from abroad by the “international cartel of fascism,” with the United States at its forefront. Because of the global nature of imperialism, it is clear that an internationalist approach based in solidarity and friendship across borders is essential in the struggle against fascism in all its forms, and wherever it rears its head. 

Despite the growth of fascist movements around the world, we are witnessing symptoms of capitalism and the global system of imperialism in profound crisis. For this reason, the time to push for a broad and united movement based on principles of democracy, peace and social justice is now.

The leadership of the PDM notes that fascism is more than simply a dangerous idea. Ideas draw their strength from the real objective material conditions in which they exist. The seeds of fascist ideology can only grow in the fertile soil of economic and social insecurity, of fear and ignorance, and where division and isolation rule the day. The antidote to toxic divisiveness must be unity, friendship, and bonds of solidarity. The falsehood and deception relied on by the forces of fascism must be countered by the constant search for truth. Finally, the cruel hopelessness, nihilism and despair spread by fascism can and must be overcome and defeated by a youth movement which carries out the struggle with joy and a love of life. 

In this context, the PDM hails the sincere efforts of the Bolivarian people in their struggle against fascism and their support for the youth and students of the world in our shared goals of peace, justice, and democratic principles. It is our hope to send future delegations to Caracas - which the Venezuelan people have offered as the capital and meeting place for the anti-fascist youth of the world - and to continue to build on the strong foundations laid in November. 

Furthermore, we call on the youth and students of Canada to follow the example of the anti-fascist youth of the world, to rise to the occasion demanded by these uncertain times, and to move forward with decisive unity and clarity of vision in building the anti-fasicst movement at home. As a concrete step towards this goal, the PDM herein declares its intention to work alongside militant youth and students and progressive organisations to host a Vancouver Island Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth & Students in the provincial capital of Victoria in May of 2025. More information will be made available in the coming weeks and months. All those interested in participating are encouraged to contact us as early as possible.

Central Executive Committee

Popular Democracy Movement