In year 1932, the first meeting of Secretary of the National Association was held in Amsterdam to establish an International Youth Hostel Union. The union was formed to coordinate, guide and formulate the work of the National Associations. The Union was latter redesignated as the International Youth Hostel Federation.

The national associations are given affiliation if they are non-political, non-profit making organizations and subscribe to the object of the Federation as set out in the Article 2 of its Constitution. This affiliation then entitles them to issue International Membership Cards which are accepted in hostels all over the world. The IYHF holds a conference every second year to determine policies of the Federation. Its Headquarters are located in London , England .