July 2025 

Special issue: YCW’s 100 years

 

Summer, Holidays… and the Struggle Continues!

In Europe, summer has arrived, bringing with it, for many, a well-deserved holiday period. In other parts of the world, workers continue with their daily tasks; holidays will usually come a bit later. But whether in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, the right to rest remains a sacred right for all workers, a right gained through the struggles of generations.

However, capitalism continues to thrive on the overexploitation of labour and constantly seeks to undermine these hard-won rights. This is why vigilance, organization, and daily struggle remain essential to protect our dignity.

As a society, and especially as young workers, we must continue our historical commitment to equality, justice, and solidarity.

In this newsletter, we continue to highlight the discussions and activities that marked the celebration of YCW’s centenary – a living and concrete symbol of the struggle, memory, and contribution of working youth to the building of a more just and solidarity-based society.

Enjoy your reading, and let's move forward with new actions!

 

ACTION CAMPAIGNS

IYCW Public Forum Highlights Urgent Challenges of Far-Right Ideologies and the Struggle for a Just Transition

As part of the centenary celebration of the Young Christian Workers (YCW), a Public Forum entitled “The Rise of Far-Right Ideologies and Just Transition” was held on May 2, 2025, bringing together young workers, trade unionists, civil society actors, and grassroots leaders from around the world.

The forum addressed two interlinked themes: the global surge of far-right political ideologies and the critical need for a just and inclusive transition in the face of environmental and socio-economic crises.

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International exchanges: testament to the vitality of the YCW’s mission in today’s world

As part of the celebrations for the YCW Centenary, a series of exchanges were organized between the participants and KAJ (Flemish Belgium), CAJ (Germany), JOC Wallonia (French Belgium), and JOC Spain. These initiatives were designed to foster meaningful connections between young members of the movement and to strengthen the spirit of international solidarity that has always been central to the YCW’s mission.

Throughout these exchanges, young people had the opportunity to share their lived realities—both the challenges they face and the hopes they hold in their daily lives, communities, and workplaces.

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International Youth Festival – A lively celebration of the YCW centenary organized by KAJ (YCW Flanders)

The world is going through a dramatic period marked by deep tensions that are affecting all of humanity. We are facing a combination of multiple and interdependent global crises. These situations have a particularly strong impact on the lives of young people. More than ever, young people need spaces to express themselves, come together, share their hopes, and discover, through the actions of other young people, signs of a future and of transformation.

It is in this context that the KAJ (YCW Flanders), as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the YCW, took the initiative to organize an international and intercultural youth festival, which took place in Belgium on May 2-3, 2025. The Bautershof estate in Sint-Truiden was the exclusive venue chosen to host this celebration.

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INTERNATIONAL CARDIJN ASSOCIATION

 

International meeting of former IYCW leaders in Haltern – May 2025

Haltern, a district of Münster in northwestern Germany, is a charming town ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the surrounding countryside. It is in this peaceful setting that the International YCW (IYCW) chose to continue its centenary celebrations. The KönzgenHaus training center, run by the CWM and YCW German movements, hosted the international meeting of former IYCW leaders from May 8 to 10, 2025.

This landmark event, organized as part of the YCW's 100th anniversary celebrations, brought together nearly 40 former YCW activists from different generations and backgrounds

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INTERNATIONAL

The YCW brings a perspective of work in dignity

By Dr Heiner Wilmer SCJ - Bishop of Hildesheim

We are aware that the world of paid work causes conflicts, differences of interest, and questions of distribution. But it is precisely in the face of poor working conditions that we draw attention to the positive power of work. For work is not only a means to an end. Good work contributes to a fulfilling life and good coexistence. It creates community, because work brings together people from different backgrounds and with different life experiences. The YCW realized 100 years ago that work needed an ethical compass and that it presupposed the equal dignity of every human being.

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IMPORTANT

Former YCWs in Singaporte celebrate the YCW Centenary: Renewing Faith and Commitment to Workers' Struggles

Singapore, March 31, 2025 — In a powerful gathering of faith and solidarity, forty-five former Young Christian Workers (YCWs) and friends came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the movement. The celebration was not just a remembrance of the past, but a recommitment to the mission of building a just world where the dignity of every worker is upheld.

 

 

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK THE IYCW CALENDAR!

Reminder – August 25: International YCW Day

On August 25, 1957, the International YCW held a historic world rally in Rome, bringing together over 30,000 young workers from across the globe. As part of our centenary celebrations, we warmly invite you to mark this important anniversary by organizing or joining activities with other young people in your region.

Let’s celebrate our shared history, renew our commitment, and continue building a just and dignified future for all young workers.