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History

How did it all come about? Who were the students before us that took action, and how does their legacy affect us today?

History
Mexico City Student Movement, October 1968. Photo by Héctor Gallardo

The history of the Student Movement is both exciting and daring. It shows us how geopolitics has always been a factor in the movement and how the will to work together across the world's regions is fundamental to its spirit.

History of the Student Movement

Explore our series on the History of the Student Movement. From the early efforts of the International Federation of Students in 1898, through the rise and fall of Cold War-era organizations like the IUS and ISC, to the formation of regional bodies such as OCLAE and AASU, we trace the evolution of student activism. Learn how these movements paved the way for the creation of the Global Student Forum. Dive into the rich legacy of student solidarity and advocacy that continues to shape our world today.

History of the Student Movement - Global Student Forum
Explore the fascinating history of international student movements, from early organizations like the 1898 International Federation of Students to Cold War-era bodies such as the IUS and ISC. Discover how regional groups like OCLAE and AASU emerged, leading to the creation of the Global Student Forum. This journey highlights the enduring spirit of student activism and its role in addressing global issues. Dive into this legacy of solidarity and advocacy shaping our world today.

This series was made possible with the help of Mike Day, who explored the history of the student movement in his lecture for the GSF Academy.

The Student Movement Archive

The Student Movement Archive is a GSF project that aims to collect archival material from the history of the student movement. The project has just started, so only a limited amount of material is publicly available.

If you have material you wish to add to the archive, feel free to contact us.

Highlights from the archive

2nd Congress Of The International Union Of Students, 1950
The video shows the 2nd Congress of the International Union of Students in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Statutory documents of the International Union of Students (IUS), 1991-1992
The Bergen Declaration, 2016
In 2016, the Bergen Declaration marked a significant milestone in global student cooperation and laid the foundation for today’s Global Student Forum.

Explore other already published materials

The Student Movement Archive - Global Student Forum