UJC awards highlight contributions in work, research, study, and national defense ahead of its 64th anniversary.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel led a ceremony recognizing young people and institutions for their contributions within the country’s revolutionary process, as part of activities marking the upcoming 64th anniversary of the Union of Young Communists (Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas, UJC in spanish).

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During the event, Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Communist Party, awarded the Flag of Honor—the highest distinction granted by the UJC National Bureau to youth collectives—to ten institutions across the country for their results in fulfilling their social roles. He also conferred the Julio Antonio Mella Order, the organization’s top individual award, on twelve young people with outstanding achievements.

Senior government and party officials were present, including members of the Political Bureau, state and government representatives, and leaders of mass organizations and the UJC. Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party; Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz; and National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernández presented additional recognitions, including 21 Abel Santamaría Cuadrado decorations and the José Antonio Echeverría medal to a total of 13 young recipients.

Text Reads: As we have done every week since the beginning of the year, this Friday we participated in National Defense Day. We were in the Antonio Guiteras defense zone, in the municipality of East Havana, where a territorial exercise was being carried out. There, we once again witnessed the preparedness of our people for the defense of the Homeland.

Yaliel Cobo Calvo, Second Secretary of the UJC National Committee, said: “The decorations they received are not only a symbol of exceptional merits in study and work, they reflect something deeper: the spirit of a youth that joins the continuity of the work that has been built and that is willing to defend it at whatever cost may be necessary.”

He added: “This conviction is manifested today as rarely in history, at a time when the empire has shown its true nature and has extended its warlike ambitions across the world. They would do well to know that Cubans will not only fight with ideas. From sovereignty, with courage, determination and confidence in victory.”

As part of the day’s activities, Díaz-Canel also participated in National Defense Day, held weekly since the beginning of the year. The exercise took place in the Antonio Guiteras defense zone, in Habana del Este municipality, where a territorial drill was conducted.

Among those recognized were young combatants who took part in operations on January 3, during what authorities described as a military aggression by the United States government against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They were acknowledged for their firmness and presented as examples for younger generations.

The ceremony forms part of ongoing efforts to highlight youth participation across key sectors, including production, research, education, and national defense

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