The 40th Advanced Studies Program focuses on Cultivating Transformative Leadership in the Pursuit of Just Peace

The 40th Advanced Studies Program (ASP) was held on November 1-30, 2024 online and in person at the YMCA of Penang, Malaysia. It offered an enriching experience for all involved. The program began with a week of engaging online sessions, which paved the way for three weeks of dynamic in-person activities. The participants of the 40th ASP issued a Communique. Click here to read the Communique

The Asia Pacific YMCA participated in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The Asia Pacific YMCAs (APAY) actively participated in this campaign alongside other civil society organizations (CSOs) and faith-based groups. The Gender Equity Committee (GEC) organized a series of activities and invited all YMCAs in the Asia Pacific region to join the global campaign "Creating Safe Spaces: Ending Gender-Based Violence". The campaign was launched on 25th November through a Webinar attended by about 45 members.  Read more 

Webinar on “Ending Gender-based Violence: An Interfaith Initiatives”

YMCA Bangladesh in collaboration with Interfaith Cooperation Forum organized an Online Webinar on “Ending Gender-based Violence: An Interfaith Initiative” as part of the "Asia Pacific YMCA’s Call for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign. About 50 members connected through zoom from various YMCAs and religious backgrounds from Asia. Read more 

Webinar on "Women Migrant Workers: Their Vulnerability to Gender-Based Violence"

ICF held this webinar which was part of the collaboration between ICF and the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs' Gender Equity Committee concerning the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event brought together 25 participants from diverse faith communities across Asia to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women migrant workers, particularly their vulnerability to gender-based violence.  Read more 

NCY of India organized various activities as part of the 16 Days of Activism

The YMCA Boys Division in Tirupattur, India, organized a workshop on Violence Against Women on November 27. Over 200 college students, both women and men, participated in the event. Click here for photos

YMCA Madurai organised 'Gen Z for Gender Equity'

YMCA of Manila organized SOGIESC and Gender Equity Seminar

“Today marks a significant milestone in our discussions about inclusivity at the YMCA of Manila. I'm proud to be part of an organization that values open dialogue and genuine acceptance. This commitment inspires us as volunteers to create true safe spaces for everyone”, said Cziloh, Chair of the Youth and Gender Equality Committee. Click here for photos

#ThursdaysinBlack

The members of the YMCA participated in

(https://www.oikoumene.org/what-we-do/thursdays-in-black)

Savar YMCA

(https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2085393221892744&id=100012662592701)

Change Agent Cohort 5 Regional & Global Gathering

From October 20-25, 2024, 115 Change Agents from 56 countries gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, for their in-person Global Gathering and Graduation Ceremony. 16 Change Agents from the Asia Pacific regions, representing Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka attended the event.  Read more 

Reflection from Arif Pedro Damanik on his participation at the Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly

“I was also deeply inspired by the solidarity and unity displayed by the Christian youth leaders from across Asia-Pacific. Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we all shared a common vision for a better future. This gave me a renewed sense of hope and commitment to continue advocating for climate justice and peace in Indonesia, knowing that I am part of a larger movement of young Christian leaders working toward the same goals”.  Read more 

ICF Sri Lanka Empowers Youth to Cultivate Leadership for Social Justice

The ICF Sri Lanka alumni successfully conducted the five-day thematic workshop on Building Leadership for Social Justice in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from November 24-28, 2024, with the Kandy YMCA. The Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF), an Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCA project, supported the workshop.  Read more 

Pakistan Alums holds a Three-Day Workshop on Climate Change

A three-day workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan was held at the YMCA Hall in Lahore, Pakistan, from 15 to 17 November 2024. The event was organized by YMCA Lahore in collaboration with the alumni of the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF), a project of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs.  Read more 

APAY E-Learning Registration is Open

The Asia Pacific YMCA is excited to announce the registration of the APAY E-Learning program! This easily accessible online platform will help participants gain knowledge from well-known universities and the participants will receive a certificate of completion of the course.  Read more 

APAY Honour Society Holds First In-Person Gathering in Sejong city, Korea

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the first in-person gathering of the APAY Honour Society(AHS) was successfully held in Sejong city, South Korea. This landmark gathering was generously hosted by Sejong YMCA and Mr. Lee Dong-Kyu, one of the AHS members and the founding President of the Sejong YMCA.  Read more 

A Joint Statement by World YMCA and Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs

in solidarity with Korea YMCA to protect democracy and human rights   Read more 

The Asia Pacific YMCA held its in-person Staff Meeting

The APAY staff convened in Hong Kong from December 10-13 to reflect on the progress made in 2024 and to strategize for the upcoming year, 2025. This gathering focused on evaluation of the 2024 work based on the Quadrennial Program Plan and fostered meaningful connections during the Christmas season. We sincerely appreciate the YMCA of Hong Kong for their generous hospitality and for hosting a wonderful fellowship dinner, which contributed to the overall success of our meetings!

World YMCA - APAY Joint Staff Meeting

The staff of World YMCA and APAY held their joint online meeting on 13th December. The main objectives of the meeting were to get to know each other’s staff members and roles, as well as the overarching goals of each organization. Secondly, discuss ways to improve synergies and collaboration going forward.

Congratulations to Alex Ash!

The Y Australia has appointed Alex Ash, as their new CEO!   Read more 

WORLD YMCA MOMBASA ACCELERATOR SUMMIT

The YMCA Accelerator Summit, held in Mombasa, Kenya from October 21-26, 2024, brought together over 450 participants from 60 countries for an impactful five days of connection, learning, and progress. The packed agenda included plenaries, workshops, breakout sessions, and numerous networking opportunities, all focused on advancing YMCA Vision 2030.

The Summit began with a panel on Women’s Leadership, setting the stage for exploring diverse perspectives and building collaborative solutions. Throughout the week, YMCA partners emphasized the importance of working together to address global challenges. This gathering was more than a series of sessions; it was a significant milestone in our collective journey toward a shared future, strengthened by the commitment and vision of every participant. Members of different YMCAs of the Asia Pacific YMCA participated in the Summit through workshops, panels etc. Click here to see some photos!