Statement of Unity

International Youth and Students Caucus Against Imperialist Globalization and APEC

We, participants of the INTERNATIONAL YOUTH AND STUDENTS CAUCUS AGAINST IMPERIALIST GLOBALIZATION AND APECcome together in the historic bonding to represent the voice of the youth and define our role in the current world (dis)order.

In the era of modern imperialism, we seek to let our voices be heard. We stand on common grounds, notwithstanding the diversity of the land and culture we represent. We are not spared by the rapacity of the plunder of imperialism and its minions. Inside our schools, our organizations and our homes, we face the rising repression and exploitation brought about by the heightened plunder and destruction of imperialism in the name of "globalization".

We assert our right to an anti-imperialist, pro-people and scientific education. We seek the end of the current educational system which primarily serves the interests of monopoly capitalist corporations and their local lackeys. We seek an education that encourages critical thinking in place of imperialist repression. One that would allow for the blossoming of the potentials of the youth to serve the anti-imperialist and democratic aspirations of the people. One that would prevail over the decadent, pro-imperialist culture.

We assert our right to social benefits and employment. As the crisis of imperialism worsens, social guarantees suffer drastic cutbacks. We are forced to live in social insecurity as imperialist states seek to obliterate past victories of the working class in the name of labor flexibility. We seek just and rightful employment in face of widespread unemployment. We seek just treatment as migrants and overseas contract workers against imperialist exploitation, chauvinism and racism.

We are against imperialist plunder and destruction of the environment. We are for the responsible and optimal use of the natural resources and protection of the ecology and the environment from abuse and destruction.

We recognize that without the substantial change in social system, we can not realize our aspirations for a just society. We recognize the need to carry out the struggle against imperialism in all fronts.

We recognize the significant role of the workers and peasants in carrying out the struggle against imperialism to its decisive victory. The youth and studentry, while representing a distinct voice in society, have limitations due to their social status. It is the broad masses of workers and peasants who are steadfast in the struggle against imperialism. Their struggle serve as our guide and inspiration.

We hereby resolve to raise high the banner of anti- imperialism in each nation that we represent. In our schools, our campuses, our organizations and homes, we pledge to arouse, mobilize and organize the broadest number of our fellow students and other oppressed sectors against imperialism and the local reactionaries.

We vow to link with the broadest sectors of workers and peasants to carry out the anti-imperialist movement to its decisive victory. We vow to learn from, merge with, and serve the people in order to carry out the national and democratic aspirations of all oppressed nations and peoples of the world. We shall march alongside them to proclaim the victory of the people over imperialism.

We shall strengthen our links with fellow students and peoples around the world. Even as we recognize that the struggle against imperialism is an international one, we express our support and solidarity to the struggles in each country. We pledge to continue to work and study to raise higher our unities.

We are the youth and students of the world. As inheritors of the earth, we will fight for the peoples' liberation and emancipation with all our vigor and vitality. #