What is IFLRY?

The International Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (IFLRY) is a global network of liberal youth organisations dedicated to promoting freedom, democracy, human rights, and equality. IFLRY connects young leaders and activists from around the world. And, although we are fully independent, we function as the official youth wing of liberal international. Our mission is to empower the next generation of changemakers to address global challenges, advocate for progressive values, and build a more open and inclusive world.

Our story begins in the 1920s, when liberal youth organizations from around the world started coming together for international meetings, planting the seeds of a global movement. It wasn’t until 1947, however, that we officially took shape. At a historic gathering in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the World Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (WFLRY) was born—the first international platform for liberal youth.

At the time, WFLRY was predominantly European in scope, but the vision of global liberal collaboration began to spread. In 1969, the European Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (EFLRY) emerged as a regional alternative. By 1978, it became clear that the world didn’t need two organizations with overlapping missions. WFLRY was dissolved, and a year later, in Silkeborg, Denmark, EFLRY transformed into what we know today as the International Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (IFLRY).

This pivotal moment marked the start of a new era. IFLRY began expanding beyond Europe, building strong networks in Latin America, Africa, and, after 1989, extending into Central and Eastern Europe and Asia. From its European roots, IFLRY has blossomed into a truly global federation we are today, proudly uniting liberal youth across all continents.

There are a lot of acronyms thrown around within the IFLRY network. You might find it useful to have a quick browse through the following table in case you come across any of these.