CYM holds Anti-Imperialist Youth Summit

The event, chaired by secretary of the CYM Dublin branch Maya O’Keeffe, saw contributions from a wide range of aspects of the CYM’s activity in relation to the slogan “Our Future, Our Choice: Against all War, Poverty and Exploitation”. The event was addressed by Adam Fagan, General Secretary of the CYM, Ebyn Girling, member of the NEC of the Independent Workers Union (IWU) and Armaan Solkar, who spoke on behalf of the Student Commission of the CYM. The event also received greetings from the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE). Greece will be holding the EU Presidency in two years and alongside Lithuania is involved in the current “Youth Dialogue” initiative by the European Union. 

In his speech, Adam Fagan said that in light of the EU Presidency, that “a response was necessary which challenged the narratives of the so-called “EU Youth Conference”, which took place at the end of September.” Fagan continued:

“The “Youth Conference” examined one of the EU’s core “goals” for the youth surrounding “dialogue and information”. Other goals surround the approach to employment and education. However, we can assert that these “goals” are only a tool to pull the wool over our eyes. To wash clear the imperialist policy of the European Union which is barreling towards a war and poverty stricken future for the working youth. To place the EU as a so-called “partner” to the youth, mystifying the role that such a “partner” plays in worsening our conditions day to day. It is the same EU which promotes “dialogue and information” as one of its goals, that consistently whitewashes history. It is the EU which equates communism to the fascist beast, it is the EU which suggests there is no and never has been an alternative to the reactionary capitalist policy which they pursue, it is the EU which promotes imperialist wars around the world in the pursuit of maximum profits for their monopolies.” 

He finished his speech by calling on young people to join the CYM in organising in their schools, universities and workplace for a better future, saying “We believe the youth need to be a strong focal point in the reconstruction of the Irish communist movement. We ask that every militant young person join us and contribute to the development of a new kind of future, the future which ends all wars, the future which ends all poverty, the socialist future!” 

In his speech, Ebyn Girling emphasised the need to organise a class-orientated trade union movement, one which is coordinated across multiple sectors and unions and which has an anti-monopoly and anti-capitalist direction. He stressed the need for a trade union struggle which can stand up to the threat of imperialist war, and emphasised the role which conscious workers must play in the everyday workplace struggle to earn the trust and loyalty of the working class. 

Armaan Solkar spoke next concerning the position of working class students in Irish schools and universities, he commended the current uprisings of the French and Spanish youth, who are struggling for better schools, cheaper rents and a reduction in the cost of living. He saluted the militancy of the French students who have closed hundreds of schools, and mobilised in huge numbers over the past few weeks. He made a proposal to the Irish students, stating: “We encourage all working students to join us in the fight, to achieve our basic demands, which are 1. More funding for schools, less for wars. 2. Remove all financial barriers to a decent education. And 3. For a different kind of education system, one which rewards creative thinking and doesn’t dull it, one which reflects the new society which we want to live in, socialism!”

Finally, a written message of solidarity from the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) was read out. Their message emphasised the role of communists in the face of impending imperialist war “Under these conditions, it is crucial that communists, through their vanguard activity, break

through dangerous complacency and the climate of “national consensus”, and cultivate a class criterion for assessing developments, so that workers distinguish their interests from those of the bourgeoisie everywhere and at every turning point. Fulfilling this task requires highlighting the real causes of imperialist war, as well as the fact that war is nothing but a continuation of imperialist peace.”

The greeting saluted the effort of the CYM to organise the Summit, and emphasised the need for our organisations to strengthen the common internationalist efforts to support the people suffering from imperialist aggression and interventions. “We are fighting to strengthen

solidarity with those affected by imperialist aggression and interventions, undertaking a wide range of initiatives to stand by the peoples of Latin America, the peoples of the Middle East, the long-suffering Palestinian people and all the peoples of the world who find themselves in dire circumstances as a result of these developments.”

The political discussion was concluded with questions from the crowd which prompted a lively discussion, where a number of questions were asked about the CYM’s efforts and the tasks facing young people today. Finally, following the conclusion of the discussion, a cultural event was held where the band “Porter Boys Social Club” performed a set of traditional songs which covered a wide range of themes, including anti-imperialist resistance. 

The Anti-imperialist Forum was an important step in the strengthening and consolidation of the struggle of the youth against the system of war, poverty and exploitation. The CYM is committed to organising and leading this struggle.