Youth from more than 80 countries converged in Windhoek at the University of Namibia for the 21st General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) on May 20–23.
The assembly was a powerful affirmation that anti-colonial solidarity is not a slogan but a living, breathing political force. Palestine, especially Gaza, was at its heart. But the message resounded far wider: from Venezuela to Cuba, South Africa to Namibia, Korea to Lebanon, young people are rejecting imperialism, apartheid and injustice in all its forms.
The program comprised plenary sessions, workshops and political debates where participants discussed and adopted resolutions and solidarity statements that echoed the spirit of resistance.
Gaza is today’s profound anti-colonial struggle and a test of global morality.
Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the meeting with a powerful speech focused on the country’s historic fight against colonialism and imperialism. She extended unwavering support to Palestine’s struggle for self-determination, saying it was a moral duty rooted in anti-imperialist principles. “Freedom denied to one is freedom denied to all,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah spoke about Namibia’s historic ties with WFDY, dating back to 1974 when the SWAPO Youth League joined the federation and reaffirmed support for anti-imperialist causes including the lifting of sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
Nandi-Ndaitwah called for the world to stand with Palestine against genocide and apartheid, describing the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” as families endure extreme hardship, due to the blockade, violence and destruction of vital infrastructure.
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire,” she said. “Many lives have been lost and countless families face shortages of basic needs and ongoing violence. The world must take urgent action to restore dignity and rights to the Palestinian people.”
She condemned Israel’s continued breaches of human rights in Palestine, calling for increased global efforts to achieve peace and accountability.
Test of humanity
Throughout the Assembly, delegates condemned colonialism, imperialism and the genocidal war in Gaza.
South Africa’s leadership in bringing the genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice has revitalised the legal and moral dimensions of global solidarity. Joined by countries such as Namibia, Cuba, Venezuela, Bangladesh and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), it has unequivocally condemned Israeli aggression and labeled it as genocide backed by imperialist forces.
A solidarity march in the streets of Windhoek for Gaza, Cuba, Venezuela and all nations and peoples resisting imperialism was a powerful moment, with hundreds of youth and student delegates raising their voices against the ongoing massacre in the besieged territory.
I addressed the assembly and march and said that what is happening in Gaza is not just a crime, but a test of the world’s conscience and that it is a 75-year Nakba made visible, renewed with greater brutality and global silence.
I reaffirmed the demand for a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the July 2024 Beijing Declaration signed by 14 Palestinian factions.
Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Slovakia’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine marks a significant shift, signaling that the tide is turning against impunity. This momentum is not confined to states alone. From mass youth mobilisations to the determined actions of grassroots and student movements, the world is witnessing an unprecedented wave of solidarity.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign has gained renewed energy, cultural and academic institutions are taking a stand and humanitarian flotillas are defying the siege to deliver aid. These acts affirm that Palestine is not only a national cause, it is a global measure of freedom and justice.
The assembly issued a solidarity statement on May 23 (see box below), calling for support for the Palestinian resistance as recognised under international law.
[Shamikh Khalil Badra was a Palestinian People’s Party delegate to the General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth.]
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Declaration of solidarity with Palestine
The following solidarity statement was released by the 21st General Assembly of the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) on May 23.
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The suffering of the Palestinian people is unparalleled. Since October 2023, over 18,000 children have been killed and more than 39,000 orphaned. Gaza faces catastrophe — desperate for water, food, and medical aid — caused by the Israeli occupation, supported by the United States government. These crimes, including attacks on hospitals, homes and vital infrastructure, continue with impunity amid media silence.
We condemn the renewed attacks since March 2025, demand an end to occupation and settlement expansion, and reject all acts of violence against Palestinians. We call for immediate humanitarian aid and a global campaign of solidarity demanding justice and the right of return for refugees.
WFDY reaffirms the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and liberation. Palestine has become a universal symbol of resistance, justice, and our shared humanity.