23rd National Congress of Union of Socialist Youth - Brazil took place

With the motto “The Future Is Now — for a hopeful and socialist Brazil”, the meeting brought together around 1,800 young people from all Brazilian states in four days of political training, cultural activities, integration, and deliberations.

Throughout the program, delegates and activists participated in conferences, thematic panels, assemblies, and political events that addressed topics such as national sovereignty, education, labour, science and technology, the environment, digital communication, combating oppression, and confronting the far right.

In addition to electing the new National Directorate, the congress approved resolutions that will guide the UJS's actions during a period marked by the competition of projects for Brazil and the 2026 elections. In an interview with Portal Vermelho after the closing of the congress, the national president of UJS, Rafaela Elisiário, assessed that the meeting fulfilled its main objective of strengthening the organization of youth throughout the country.

“The National Congress of UJS Brazil brought together approximately 1,800 young people from all Brazilian states in a large gathering for debates, political education, culture, and integration. Throughout the program, participants shared experiences, formulated proposals, and strengthened their commitment to organizing youth across the country,” he stated.

According to Rafaela, the balance between political education, cultural activities, and opportunities for social interaction was one of the program's distinguishing features, allowing for the integration of young people from different backgrounds and broadening the dialogue about the challenges faced by new generations.

For four days, the congress hosted dozens of simultaneous activities. The debates addressed the crisis of capitalism, the role of socialism in the 21st century, the precariousness of work, the battle over narratives on social media, technological sovereignty, climate justice, education reform, and public policies aimed at women, the Black population, LGBT+ youth, and students.

The program also included the Youth Festival, cultural presentations, parades, sporting activities, and the “Socialism Lives” Cultural Event, held at the Arcos da Lapa, reinforcing the UJS tradition of combining political education with cultural events.

Among the main moments of the congress was the political event where the campaign “The future is now! The future is with Lula”, aimed at mobilizing young people for this year’s presidential elections, was launched.

Another outcome of the meeting was the election of the new National Directorate of the UJS, responsible for leading the organization in the coming years. According to Rafaela Elisiário, the composition of the new leadership preserved the organization's historical principles, ensuring gender and racial parity.

“During the congress, the new National Directorate of UJS Brazil was also elected, maintaining the organization's commitment to internal democracy and representativeness. The composition of the directorate ensured gender and racial parity, reaffirming the organization's commitment to building a diverse, plural leadership aligned with the challenges facing Brazilian youth.”

At the end of the four days of activities, the congress reaffirmed the meaning of the motto chosen for this edition: the conviction that the challenges facing Brazilian youth require organization in the present to build the future.