The three-day World Congress of the IUSY was called to order with over 150 delegates representing 68 countries, including Armenia. Among keynote speakers during the Congress were leading Dominican Presidential candidate Miguel Vargas Maldonado and Secretary General of the Socialist International (SI) Luis Ayala.

AYF Western Region Central Executive member Vache Thomassian represented Armenia at the Congress, presenting a resolution calling for a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict.

"It is important to reaffirm people's right to self-determination and at the same time condemn belligerent rhetoric from the government of Azerbaijan" said Thomassian.

The World Congress entitled "People in Movement" highlighted topics including migrant workers' rights, fair trade, gender equality and human trafficking. During the Congress AYF representatives participated in regional panel discussions with representatives from Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Greece as well as Kurdish youth leaders.

"The world has quickly become a very small place. With globalization, we cannot escape the fact that things happening in one part of the world affect all others. The AYF is an international organization and it is important for us to interact and coordinate with young activist from around the globe, not only to further our cause but to work towards furthering international solidarity" concluded Thomassian.

For more information about IUSY please visit www.IUSY.org

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.

AYF representative at IUSY World Congress in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic


AYF representative with Socialist International Secretary General Luis Ayala


Socialist International Secretary General Luis Ayala addresses XXVII IUSY World Congress


IUSY President Fikile Mbalula (South Africa) addresses XXVII IUSY World Congress


AYF representatives with Kurdish youth representatives


Listening intently


AYF representatives with representatives from Denmark, Tibet and Burma


AYF representative with representative from Uganda