The Youth Assembly of the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK), the Youth Assembly of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), and the Istanbul Free Student Assembly (İSÖM) are holding a panel discussion titled “The Role of Youth in a Socialist Society.” The panel discussion at the Water Show Arts Stage in Istanbul’s Fatih district drew significant interest from young people. Banners reading “Jin, Jîyan, Azadî” (“Woman, Life, Freedom”) and “We are organizing and liberating ourselves in the spirit of communalist comradeship” were displayed in the hall.
Following the opening remarks, Abdullah Öcalan’s message to the panel was read aloud, which includes the following:
“I extend my deepest affection to all young comrades who struggle on the basis of communalist comradeship, especially those who have contributed to creating such platforms where young people discuss the Peace and Democratic Society Process. Social construction processes are only possible through the participation and leadership of youth; the fundamental dynamic force of change, transformation, and renewal. Social and political struggles that do not involve youth as ideological carriers and practical organizers have very limited chances of success. In this context, a society that loses its youth does not just fail; it loses its very right to exist. The opposite is also true; the youth who have lost their society and sociality also lose their future. Where socialist sociality and its struggle fail, what remains is decay, disintegration, and extinction. An individual can only gain meaning as part of an organized society, and society can only sustain its existence through organized individuals.
Social construction, socialist society, and freedom are only possible through organization. Any entity that fails to organize by utilizing the opportunities available to it at the right time and place will eventually disappear. I have said before, ‘organize everywhere and organize everything.’ This is not just a political necessity, but an inevitable requirement for social existence and freedom. The passion for freedom is an inherent tendency within the dynamism of youth. It is the natural outcome of the tendency toward freedom inherent in historical society, which is the pioneer of change and transformation. Embracing this mission is not merely a choice but a necessity for a free and meaningful life. The guarantee of social existence and freedom is, again, only possible through social organization. The reason why the caste killer has targeted youth throughout history using all forms of corrupting and destructive methods is precisely this freedom-loving dynamic and tendency.
The dynamic power and energy of youth can become a founding will for change and transformation, particularly in construction, based on communalist solidarity, organizational consciousness, and collective struggle. Just as freedom is inherent in the dynamism of youth, freedom and sociality are inherent characteristics of socialism. In the era of capitalism’s collapse, it is highly valuable for youth to discuss the paths of democratic socialism and struggle for reconstruction. These and similar debates will reveal intellectual richness and, consequently, new paths and methods of struggle. I believe that in today’s world, where humanity’s most fundamental values are under attack by capitalist modernity, young people will play a pioneering role. On this basis, I warmly greet all young comrades who are once again fighting for democratic socialism and wish them success.”
After the message was read, the panel discussion continued closed to the press.