The World Youth Alliance hosted its 22nd International Solidarity Forum in March, where delegates from all over the globe gathered to discuss this year’s theme of gender ideology.
The ISF brings together WYA delegates from every area of the world, along with top scholars in the fields of medicine, psychology, education, and more. One attendee remarked, “[w]hen I arrived, the energy was palpable—people embraced each other like old friends, excitement filled the air, and I couldn’t help but capture the beautiful moments through the lens of my humble phone camera. What I wasn’t prepared for, though, was the sheer depth of what it would feel like to be there in person.”
After getting involved with WYA for several months through social media, email campaigns, and other advocacy events, she explained that she “began to feel connected to the organization.” WYA intentionally brings delegates together from across the world for the ISF to foster this exact unity, creating community around issues pertaining to human dignity. This year, delegates shared their own, personal encounters with gender ideology in their home countries, fostering a sense of closeness and encouragement in the fight for truth through an array of advocacy events and training programs.
One ISF attendee said that, “[t]his group of people, coming from near and far, broke down all barriers—whether it was distance, time, or language. Each smile was sincere, every conversation meaningful, and I found beauty in each person I met. What I discovered in that room was nothing short of a family—a global family united by shared values and a commitment to making a difference.”
Since 1999, WYA has been serving as a global voice for youth to speak out for human dignity. The ISF is an essential training event for WYA, not only intellectually, but building personal relationships and solidarity. “Young people from all over the globe—who had come from different walks of life and cultures—were deeply invested in what they were there to discuss. Many had taken time off from their jobs, others from school or family obligations, and some had traveled for over 30 hours just to be there in New York City. It became clear to me that no one would dedicate this much time, energy, or resources to something trivial.”
WYA continues to be inspired by its members who dedicate themselves to the service of protecting human dignity. WYA is grateful for another successful ISF and looks forward to next year!
