The International Young Democrat Union is a global alliance of centre-right political youth organisations and the youth wing of the International Democrat Union. The IYDU in its current form was founded in March 1991 in Washington, D.C.. A previous organisation of the same name had been established in July 1981, also in Washington, but subsequently ceased to exist. The IYDU fights for conservative of free-market policies worldwide. IYDU host a number of events for member organisations each year including a Freedom Forum, an Annual Council Meeting, and overseas study visits. Following almost 6 years of the IYDU being split over important differences in the interpretation of the IYDU constitution, the International Young Democrat Union Joint Council Meeting elected a unified IYDU Board in Brussels on 21 October 2017.
Principles
"The International Young Democrat Union is a global alliance of centre-right political youth organisations united by a common desire for greater freedom and less government. First established in 1981, two years before its parent organisation the International Democrat Union, then re-established in 1991, the IYDU has grow from 14 members to 127, from more than 81 different nations. Our membership is diverse. We come from a rich array of histories, cultures and political traditions, but we are united by a shared commitment to freedom, and to fighting socialism. Some of us come from established democracies with deep-rooted beliefs in individual freedom and liberty; some have experienced first-hand the destructive evil of communism; others are still fighting for basic freedoms. Throughout the year the IYDU hosts a number of events around the world. Current and future leaders network, discuss ideology, share ideas and build friendships. Our events include a Freedom Forum in the middle of the year, a Study Trip, and a Council Meeting held towards the end/start of the calendar year. Becoming involved in IYDU demonstrates a commitment: to a better world, created through genuine democratic process. Participants at our conferences have progressed to become cabinet ministers, members of parliament, senior advisers and leaders within their respective industriesin public and private sectors."
