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.

Understanding the Threat: Far-Right Ideologies on the Rise

Speakers and participants analyzed the increasing influence of far-right politics, particularly its impact on social protection, women's rights, migration, multilateral institutions, and youth.

Contributions from ACV/CSC, international observers, and grassroots representatives highlighted worrying trends: efforts to reduce access to social benefits and weaken labor protections, especially affecting young people; the re-emergence of patriarchal narratives, targeting women's autonomy and feminist movements; an erosion of democracy through identity politics, media manipulation, and budget cuts to civil society and international organizations; the weaponization of social media in spreading nationalist and xenophobic narratives.

The IYCW emphasized its international presence as a strength in resisting these developments, with examples from Argentina, Peru, and Germany showcasing resistance efforts and community mobilization.

Youth at the Heart of Just Transition

The second part of the forum focused on the need for a Just Transition—a model of development that ensures environmental sustainability, decent work, and social inclusion. Presenters stressed that while the climate crisis deepens, young workers—especially women—are among the most affected due to high levels of informal and precarious work.

The call for action was clear: build alliances and strengthen grassroots organizations; promote climate justice and advocate for systemic economic alternatives rooted in solidarity; support green jobs, food sovereignty, social protection, and the reduction of emissions by polluting nations; amplify youth-led initiatives in ecological agriculture, union-building, and awareness campaigns.

A Centenary Rooted in Action

This forum formed a key part of the YCW’s centenary celebration—more than a commemoration, it was a space for deep reflection and renewed commitment. As the YCW marks 100 years of organizing young workers for dignity and justice, this event reaffirmed its mission: to confront inequality, challenge oppressive ideologies, and fight for a just future where all young people can thrive.

 

Related Articles

YCW centenary – 100 years in action!

In 2025, the Young Christian Workers' celebrate 100 years of existence. Between April 18th and May 10th, the official international celebration will take place online and in Belgium. In addition to that, different national movements and groups will have decentralized activities. Find all the important information on this site and feel free to contact us if you want to join or support the centenary.

 

100 years of struggle for young workers!

Although Cardijn created the first base group in 1912, 1925 was the year of the official registration of the men and women’s Francophone and Flemish Belgian YCW movement. It was also the year of recognition by both the local Church and the universal Church in the person of Pope Pius XI, who listened and responded to Cardijn's hope to "save young workers."

From that moment on, the YCW spread rapidly from Europe to the whole world, in a remarkable way, to organize young workers and fight for their dignity and future.

Read more...

 

Our planned program

Beyond the different activities to prepare and promote the 100 years of the foundation of the YCW movement, the year 2025 will be very special. The main activities will be carried out during that remarkable year.

The centenary will also be linked to some activities promoted by the Belgium movements of KAJ Flanders and JOC Wallonia. The first step towards the centenary celebration will be to gather young potential key leaders + former YCW activists (adults) from each national movement who will have the chance to travel to Europe for the 2025 program.

It will be a collective program developed by the whole international movement from the grassroots to the international level. Each national movement and region will set up their own plan linked with the international level orientation defined by the 2022 Council.