The International Falcon Movement – Socialist Educational International (IFM-SEI) was originally founded in 1922 as the  International Committee of Socialist Educational Organisations (SEI). It emerged from the Socialist International, with founding organisations from Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. By 1927, it had grown to include organisations from Denmark, Latvia, Hungary, Switzerland, France, Poland, and Belgium. A significant milestone during this time was the first international camp, the ‘Children’s Republic,’ held at Seekamp, Germany.

In the 1930s, SEI continued to expand, bringing in organisations from Norway, the UK, Spain, Belgium, America, and Sweden. However, due to political repression and the rise of fascism, the socialist children’s movement faced significant challenges. This led to the  practical dissolution of the Socialist Educational International before and during World War II, as many socialist movements were suppressed.

After World War II, efforts were made to restore the shattered links between socialist children’s and youth organisations. In 1946, a crucial international camp was held in Brighton, UK, that helped reestablish connections. The following year, in 1947, an  International Falcon Secretariat was established in Amsterdam. Finally, at the 1953 Congress in Nuremberg, the  International Falcon Movement (IFM) was officially founded, with a focus on international cooperation, socialist education, tolerance, and human rights.

In the 1960s, IFM expanded further with new organisations joining from India and Israel. During this period, IFM began collaborating with the developing world and supporting liberation movements globally. This era marked the beginning of the organisation’s more comprehensive international engagement, reflecting its commitment to solidarity and global justice.

In 1970, the organisation adopted a new name, becoming the International Falcon Movement – Socialist Educational International (IFM-SEI) . This change symbolized the movement’s openness to cooperating with like-minded organisations that didn’t necessarily share the same historical background as traditional Falcon groups.

During the 1980s, IFM-SEI played a vital role in advocating for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was still being debated at the time. IFM-SEI also focused on issues such as child labour, child abuse, peace, and the situation of children in war zones. The organisation was active in promoting international peace, bringing together young people from diverse regions, including  Eastern and Western Europe and Israel and Palestine, for dialogue and peace activities.

In the 1990s, IFM-SEI extended its presence to Latin America and launched various campaigns tackling issues such as anti-war toys, reproductive health education, child labour, and combatting child sexual abuse. These efforts reflected IFM-SEI’s continued focus on education, social justice, and children’s rights.

Since the 2000s, IFM-SEI has increased its global activities, working on issues like poverty, equality, inclusion, sustainable development, cooperation, and gender and sexuality . The organisation continues to host international camps, maintaining its focus on socialist education, with an emphasis on peace education, youth mobility , and group work. The movement remains active in promoting social justice and building a better future for children and youth around the world.