The YMCA is a voluntary, international, Christian, youth movement which was founded in 1844. The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs is a Federation of 27 YMCA movements in Asia and Pacific countries and territories. It is an integral part of the World Alliance of YMCAs and the representative body of the YMCAs in this region. Formation of the then Asia Alliance as a regional body began in 1949. Today the Alliance comprises of the following YMCA movements in this region: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Main Functions

1. To promote cooperation among Movements in Asia and Pacific, with other YMCA Movements and the World Alliance while preserving the integrity and identity of each Movement.

2. To promote in collaboration with the World Alliance and the Movements concerned the extension of the YMCAs in the region to serve new constituencies and new geographic areas.

3. To coordinate and be responsible within Asia and Pacific for intermovement cooperation, programmes, projects, funding, staffing and other plans including those with Movements from other areas, upon mutual agreement with the World Alliance and the Movements concerned.

4. To search continuously for the meaning of the Christian message in the YMCA in the Asian context and encourage National Movements to fulfill their Christian Mission in the life and work of each YMCA.

5. To review from time to time the needs, problems and opportunities in Asia and Pacific and determine the course of action that must be taken inclusive of the realm of social change such as justice and human rights.

6. To promote the study, discussion and action on matters of common concern to the National Movements.

7. To hold the Quadrennial General Assembly of the YMCAs in the region and to hold other Consultations and Conferences from time to time.

8. To promote leadership development.

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