International forum of young socialists kicks off with lawmakers tackling change and solidarity

The 3rd edition of the International Forum of Young Socialist and Social Democratic Parliamentarians kicked off today with the presence of eminent political figures and politicians.  

Driss Lachgar, first secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, said the world is going through one of its most difficult times, with overlapping crises, rising conflicts, and dangerous uncertainty. 

Lachgar warned that democracy is under threat, and greedy economic systems are destroying both the planet and human solidarity.

Lachgar said that today’s wars aren’t just violent; some come close to genocide, while global leaders often stay silent. 

He slammed economic systems that put profit over people and tech that isolates and controls rather than liberates. 

Lachgar called on the progressive world “it’s no longer enough to raise slogans. What we need is real action, a bold and collective push for a new, fairer economic model.” 

He laid out his priorities: environmental justice on a global scale, with the environment recognized as a basic human right; full social inclusion through ambitious policies that protect women and minorities; strong, resilient democracies that defend institutions, activists, and digital integrity; and a lasting peace built through responsible diplomacy, transitional justice, and unconditional respect for national sovereignty.

He said changing the world means rethinking global power. “Fixing global governance isn’t just about adding seats for the Global South,” he said. “It’s about admitting past wrongs, colonialism, resource exploitation, unfair debt, and toxic trade deals.”

On the issue of cultural and economic domination, Lachgar called for full sovereignty for Southern nations, culturally, scientifically, economically, and politically. 

Lachgar said defending human rights must be unconditional and consistent, not selective. He condemned all forms of racism and violence, especially rising Islamophobia in some countries. 

On migration, Lachgar rejected the narrow security-focused view. He said migration is a social reality and must be addressed through development in home countries and protection of migrants’ rights.

Abderrahim Chahid, head of the Socialist Group in the house of representatives, said this gathering renews hope for a future based on freedom, equality, and equal opportunity, and stressed that the socialist and democratic project remains the best path to tackle today’s challenges and improve people’s lives.

Chahid talked about the fast-changing geopolitical landscape and how recent global crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing wars in Ukraine and Palestine, have reshaped national priorities. 

He said these conflicts, along with rising inflation and economic slowdowns, have put enormous pressure on societies, and have made it clear that peaceful political solutions must be prioritized over military ones.

He called on socialist parliamentarians to raise their voices for peace, justice, and cooperation between nations. 

He said it’s more urgent than ever to fight inequality, protect natural resources, and adopt green public policies that benefit both the planet and people. According to him, the socialist mission today is to reduce social gaps and promote fairness and solidarity across all regions.

Youssef Aidi, President of the Socialist Group in Morocco’s House of Councillors, said that the world is facing a difficult moment. With rising populism, authoritarianism, and international divisions, he said this forum comes at the right time for progressive forces to stand together. 

Aidi said that relying only on official diplomacy is no longer enough. He said that political parties, especially those rooted in social movements, need to take the lead in connecting across borders. 

Aidi said the forum should grow into a permanent platform, one that can coordinate positions, support shared goals, and speak up for people’s rights on the international stage.

He also said we must never forget the human side of politics. Whether it’s the crisis in Palestine, the struggles of refugees, or the impacts of climate change on the Global South, Aidi said progressive leaders have a duty to respond with empathy and action. 

The forum also welcomed several international parliamentary figures, including Gustavo Adolfo Pacheco Villar, President of the Andean Parliament; Waldemar Cerrón Rojas, Vice President of the Peruvian Parliament; Süreyya Öneş Derici, Member of the Turkish Parliament; and Verónica Carrillo, Secretary of State of Ecuador.

These representatives highlighted the political and economic challenges that their countries are facing and stressed the importance of supporting democracy and social justice. 

They also said that cooperation between progressive parties is needed to respond to global issues.