In Rome, on a day like today, on 25th August 1957, the International YCW held a World Assembly which brought together more than 30.000 young people, appointed by their fellow workers from 87 countries and territories, from all continents.

Since 1925, the YCW movement was growing around the world. Following several actions, mostly international meetings, the year 1957 saw the official birth of the IYCW, in Rome. This gathering was aimed at bringing forward the young workers’ demands, from every country in the world, and to show a public testimony promoting awareness-raising and education of young people through a movement that is of, between and for young workers.

All the delegates attending the assembly solemnly committed themselves to be at the service of all their co-workers in order to, as Cardijn himself said it many times, “Achieve temporary happiness and eternal salvation together, for all the young workers in the world”. The assembly was also an opportunity for the delegates to meet by continents, in regional Congresses, in order to identify common problems and propose more suitable solutions.

Finally, from 29 August to 4 September, six delegates from each country or territory, specially appointed as representatives of young male and female workers, took part in the first YCW International Council. On that occasion, they adopted the international Statutes, they elected the President (a man) and Vice-President (a woman) of their movement, as well as the members of the International Executive Committee, after analysing the situation of young workers. They also launched a Manifesto that summarized the fundamental orientations and opinions of YCW in view of the main problems encountered by young workers at the time.

Today is our 63rd anniversary as international movement, we keep on bringing forward our demands against injustice and inequality experienced by young workers all around the world. Through our actions, we continue to engage in our fights, in neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and everywhere in the world where young workers are to be found.

The International YCW continues to fight for a fairer world.

Brussels, 25th August 2020.

International Secretariat.