Kurdistan Democratic Youth Union hosts International Young Democrat conference

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KDP.info) – The Kurdistan Democratic Youth Union hosted the conference of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU), a global alliance of organisations that promote freedom and democracy, in Erbil. The conference was opened by President Masoud Barzani who welcomed the international guests to the Kurdish capital and said that introducing Kurdistan’s young people to such global organisations inspires them to be more active and to work towards advancing their country. The Kurdistan Democratic Youth Union hosted the conference last month after taking part in IYDU events in Britain and Georgia in 2010. Daniel Walther, Secretary of IYDU, speaking at press conference in Erbil, said, “We welcome the Kurdistan Democratic Youth Union into the IYDU.” About 80 organisations from 50 countries are members of the IYDU, which promotes democracy, respect for human-rights, free markets, and free trade. IYDU hosts seminars and conferences around the world enabling political leaders of the future to network and discuss ideology and practical issues, such as campaign techniques and the use of new technologies. The Kurdistan Democratic Youth Union was established in 1953 to promote the rights of young people and to represent their interests. Several Kurdish leaders began their early careers in the Youth Union before going on to more senior political roles. At the Erbil conference, the IYDU issued this statement: “We are delighted to be here in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on the 20th anniversary of the uprising that helped set the people of this region on the path of liberty and escape the tyranny and oppression of Saddam Hussein’s regime. “We are pleased to hold our board meeting here in Erbil at this time and to have the opportunity to learn more about this region; a visit that would have been impossible 20 years ago. IYDU’s core values are democracy, human rights, free markets and free trade and we respect the huge efforts made by all people here to live in democracy and develop the economy of this region. “We urge everyone living in this region to co-operate peacefully and continue the democratic development of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In particular IYDU highlights the importance of political plurality to a democracy; including the rights to freedom of assembly, peaceful protest and free speech. IYDU also emphasizes that a vibrant civil society is an essential component of sustainable democracy. “Whilst there is of course still significant work to be done in the development of democracy, we congratulate the people on the huge advances they have made politically, economically and socially over the last 20 years. We look forward to the continued peace and prosperity of this region under democratic government.”