The International Young Democratic Union is a global alliance of centre right political youth organizations united by a common desire for greater freedom and less government. Conservative Future is a member and strong supporter of this organisation.
I had the pleasure of attending their council meeting in Berlin this year from 25th – 29th November representing members of Yorkshire CF. We were hosted by the Junge Union who act as our Conservative Future counterparts in Berlin. Throughout the conference fantastic events were held. Upon our arrival we were welcomed by Philipp Mibfelder MP and then given a guided tour of the New Museum in central Berlin.
On the second day there was a visit to the BMW plant at Leipzig and in the evening the President of the German Automotive Industry, Matthias Wissmann, discussed the recent economic impact of the recession on the industry. On the next two days of the Conference we visited the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Build Newspaper Headquarters just to mention a few. On Friday the 150 members attending met Chancellor Merkel who gave us a warm welcome to the City. It was fascinating to hear from the Chancellor about what it was like to have grown up on the Communist East side of Berlin and how it had shaped her future political beliefs.
IYDU’s four core values, democracy, respect for human-rights, free markets, and free trade were all discussed at the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday. Chairman Tim Dier from the UK was re-elected for another term. Tim, who is based in London, is doing a fantastic job leading the organisation which has grown substantially in recent years. I was thankful for the opportunity to have several lengthy discussions with him sharing our different experience of supporting our respective teams.
The complexities and organisational challenges to cover not just a single country but the entire globe are enormous. This challenge did not deter our German hosts who did exceptionally well in looking after all of us enabling us to discuss ideology and practical issues, such as campaign techniques and the use of new technologies.
If you are an active member of Conservative Future and are interested in Global challenges I strongly recommend this organisation to you. The Conference in Berlin was a fantastic event and extremely engaging.
( 3 comments ) Tags: Berlin, Germany, International Young Democratic Conference
Comment by catherine on December 9, 2009 at 6:10 pm
The conservative party will let you down because it will always protect the rich and the bankers over those who are less well off. Don’t be taken in – the Tories always destroy public services – I know and remember what it was like to live under the last tory government. Local community services were destroyed and run down, nothing worked because nothing is invested in. They make sure the better off get richer and the less well off get poorer. Look at them today protecting the bankers and wanting to punish the puiblic sector. Remember its the bankers who are to blame for this mess and the Tories are supporting them over the rest of us.
Pingback by Monthly Bulletin from CF in Yorkshire and Humber 11 | Conservative Future on January 6, 2010 at 6:53 pm
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Comment by John smith on July 6, 2010 at 7:55 am
In reply to Catharine. Yes! The bankers (mainly american) are to blame for the global recession, but it is the last labour Govt which is responsible for excessive borrowing which has to be paid back. This is why public sector services have to be made more efficient, if this means job losses so be it. The problem is that the public are always threatened with front line service cuts, when there is plenty of slack in the beaurocracy ,which can be eradicated without touching frontline services.