From 26 to 31 October 2026, the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) Mediterranean Committee Meeting took place in Beirut, Lebanon, alongside a joint event organised with the MENA LATINA Network. Both gatherings were hosted by Lebanon’s Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).
ARF Youth was represented by Pakrad Krikorian and Cherylyne Dirasouyan of the ARF Zavarian Student Organisation.
The MENA LATINA event brought together progressive youth organisations, activists and political figures from the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America. The Mediterranean Committee convened IUSY member organisations from Armenia, Palestine, Greece, Lebanon, Morocco, Spain, Kurdistan (northern Iraq), Tunisia, Turkey and Western- Sahara, among others.
The programme included meetings with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, government ministers and leaders of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), PYO’s mother party.
Under the theme “Mediterranean Youth Against the Far Right: A Socialist Response,” participants examined regional conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, the international order and the rise of far-right movements. Panels and country reports addressed challenges facing progressive youth organisations and the need for international solidarity.
ARF representatives addressed challenges facing Armenians in Lebanon as well as political developments in Armenia. They highlighted the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh as a continuation of the Armenian Genocide and criticised the inadequate response of the international community, particularly progressive parties and movements.
During discussions on human rights, particularly the genocide in Gaza, the ARF delegates drew parallels between the situation in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. They also highlighted the issue of Palestinian hostages unlawfully detained by Israel, drawing attention to the similar situation of Armenian hostages held in Baku, including their comrade David Ishkanyan, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation–Dashnaktsutyun (ARF). The delegates raised the question of how the international socialist movement could increase global awareness of these issues and contribute to efforts to secure justice for those unlawfully detained.
The delegates visited a Palestinian refugee camp to understand local conditions and express solidarity with the Palestinian people and partner organisations, including Fateh Youth Movement and the General Union of Palestinian Students (GUPS).
As part of the programme, delegates also visited the offices of Annahar newspaper. A guided tour of the Port of Beirut offered insight into its daily operations and its role in the city.
The programme concluded with networking and social events that strengthened ties among participating organisations.
ARF BUREAU YOUTH OFFICE
