Youth Raise Their Voices in Brussels in Tribute to Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro

Brussels, 23 April 2026.- In a vibrant day of commitment and solidarity, young people took the floor this Thursday, April 23, at the headquarters of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) to pay heartfelt tribute to Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, as part of the celebrations marking the centenary of his birth.

Under the title “Cuba stood for the world, now the world must rise for Cuba,” the conference became a powerful platform to denounce the aggressive policy of blockade and economic suffocation imposed by the United States against the island. The event drew a large audience of more than 170 participants, mostly university students and members of COMAC, the youth organization of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB/PVDA).

The distinguished panel leading the debate included: Marc Botenga, Belgian Member of the European Parliament for the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB–The Left); Dr. Damarys Álvarez, Deputy Head of the Cuban Medical Brigade providing solidarity services in Calabria, Italy; M. Salim Lamrani, PhD, a renowned intellectual, historian, and Franco-Algerian professor; and Octave Daube, President of the COMAC youth organization.

During the interventions, speakers highlighted Cuba’s example of resistance and the humanitarian work of its medical brigades, while also issuing an urgent call for international solidarity so that the world may rise in support of the Cuban people’s sovereignty in the face of unilateral sanctions.

The event was opened by the Ambassador of Cuba, Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, who underscored the continued relevance of the thought of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.

The day reaffirmed that Fidel Castro’s legacy remains alive among new generations, who see in Cuba a reference point in the struggle for social justice and international law.

(Cubaminrex-Embacuba Bélgica)