It was November 1945 – six months on from Victory in Europe, and two months on from the surrender of Japan – when hundreds of delegates from dozens of countries met in London to found the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY). Having seen the horrors wrought by nationalism, racism, and imperialism, the assembled youth set out a vision for the post-war world: one of unity, international friendship, and the complete eradication of fascism.
This was not mere rhetoric. The communist and other progressive youth of this generation had been a key part of the struggle against fascism and empire. From the young soldiers of the Allied forces (of which the great contribution of the Soviet Red Army will never be erased, no matter how hard today’s European leaders try), to the partisan anti-fascist fighters and the anti-Japanese resistance. Notably, the first General Secretary of WFDY, Alexander Shelepin, helped to organise the Soviet partisan resistance to the Nazi invasion.
The world this wartime generation of youth dreamed of and fought for is still yet to be achieved. The Cold War led some of the non-socialist/communist member organisations to leave, as WFDY faced the usual Western accusations of being little more than a ‘Soviet front’. Then the USSR was illegally dissolved and most of the European socialist revolutions overthrown, putting into question the nature of anti-imperialist, anti-fascist struggle worldwide. Today, the ruling classes of Europe push for remilitarisation, falling back on old tropes of a ‘Russian threat’ alongside a New Cold War on China. All while the deteriorating standards of life in Europe fuel the rhetoric of modern fascist and other far-right movements.
Yet, the WFDY is still here. Anti-imperialist youth and student organisations across the world are still proud to call themselves members – including the Young Communist League here in Britain. The international movement of progressive youth survived the Cold War, and just as we were born out of the anti-fascist, anti-imperialist struggles of the 20th century, we will be renewed and revitalised in the same struggles of the 21st century.
Recent youth protests here in Europe have shown the widespread anger against both declining living standards and the drive to war, with the latter drive causing much of the former decline. The presence of Palestine flags at so many of these demonstrations shows the very internationalist and anti-imperialist spirit that the World Federation embodies. Much of our generation’s youth have been politicised for the first time through the Palestine solidarity movement, climate strikes, anti-conscription and anti-austerity organising. The desire and passion for a world without genocide, without militarism, and with good livelihoods for all is clear to see. The need for global coordination to tackle global issues is clear too.
Therefore, this November 10th, on the 81st anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of Democratic Youth, we must remember that world the wartime generation dreamed of. A world of unity, of international friendship, and free from the scourge of fascism.
We must build, strengthen, and reinvigorate our links with anti-imperialist youth around the world. We must consistently demonstrate the links between declining standards and far-right mobilisation at home with remilitarisation and imperialism internationally. For imperialism and fascism are not defeated in one fell swoop, but a protracted struggle.
Everything we do to raise class consciousness and push a progressive line in our campuses, communities, workplaces and mass organisations matters. Through a progressive youth organisation like the YCL, these individual efforts are coordinated, reinforced, and build upon each other. Through an international body such as the WFDY, even more so.
The shared aims of WFDY member organisations must be remembered and carried into everything we do, such that the international progressive youth are as united and coordinated as possible. These general aims must be translated into the specific conditions of our own country and the current consciousness and state of the working class youth here. The better we do this work the stronger our organisation here, and thus the stronger the international movement as a whole, becomes. A federation is only as strong as its constituent parts, after all.
So take up the struggle against imperialism, fascism, and war!
Join your youth league, student federation, or other WFDY organisation where you are!
Long live the World Federation of Democratic Youth!
Long live the struggle for peace!
Philip English, is Editor of Challenge Magazine
The WFDY Pledge:
“We pledge that we shall remember this unity, forged in this month, November 1945
Not only today, not only this week, this year, but always
Until we have built the world we have dreamed of and fought for
We pledge ourselves to build the unity of youth of the world
All races, all colors, all nationalities, all beliefs
To eliminate all traces of fascism from the earth
To build a deep and sincere international friendship among the peoples of the world
To keep a just lasting peace
To eliminate want, frustration and enforced idleness
We have come to confirm the unity of all youth salute our comrades who have died-and pledge our word that skilful hands, keen brains and young enthusiasm shall never more be wasted in war”
