| YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & MEANINGFUL WORK | ||
Asia Pacific YMCA Virtual Change Agent Regional Gathering On August 23, 2025, the YPLD (Youth Participation and Leadership Development) Committee of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY), successfully hosted the Virtual Change Agent Regional Gathering for Cohort 6.0. The 2.5-hour online event brought together 22 young leaders. Read more | ||
The 2nd Asia-Pacific Christian Youth Assembly on Climate Crisis, Peace, and the AI Era The 2nd Asia-Pacific Christian Youth Assembly was held in Paju, Republic of Korea, from August 19 to 23, 2025. This Assembly brought together more than 80 young people from 40 organizations across 15 countries. Read more | ||
YMCA India organized the National Hi-Y Assembly 2025 The National Hi-Y (High School YMCA) Assembly 2025 was successfully hosted by Salem YMCA from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, at the serene and attractive Dhivyashanthi Retreat Centre, Yercaud Hills. The assembly brought together 74 enthusiastic high school youth representatives under the banner of “Rise Together”. Read more | ||
Myanmar YMCA’s S.D.S.Y.E Program: A workshop for youth to share knowledge and experiences in a safe environment Myanmar YMCA’s S.D.S.Y.E Program successfully organized its biggest and most exceptional event, the “Sharing & Learning Workshop”, for the third time, from 4th to 7th August, 2025. The workshop gathered 60 youths from 8 different cities across Myanmar. Read more | ||
M.Y Global: Leaders Evolving & Developing (LEAD) Youth Leaders Symposium 2025 by Metropolitan YMCA Singapore Metropolitan YMCA Singapore have recently hosted 546youth leaders and staff (from Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, YMCA Nagpur, YMCA India, YMCA Manila, Seoul YMCA, Osaka YMCA and Metropolitan YMCA Singapore) for an intentional 3D2N programme from 31 July to 2 August 2025. Read more | ||
Share Your Voice with WhyNot WhyNot is a platform that amplifies the unfiltered thoughts, ideas, and stories of young people — wherever they are. If you’re aged 18–30 and have something to say through writing, art, video, or audio, WhyNot is your space to be heard. Published submissions are paid up to $250 AUD, and WhyNot always looking for fresh perspectives on everything from identity and climate to cost of living and wellbeing. Submit your story or explore more at: www.whynot.org.au | ||
| JUST WORLD | ||
The GBV Prevention and Peacebuilding Project Empowers Women and Communities in Taunggyi Township The Myanmar YMCA’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Peacebuilding Project, funded by Norwegian Church Aid, has been actively implemented in Southern Shan State’s Taunggyi Township since April 2025. The initiative aims to protect women and girls, strengthen community resilience, and promote peaceful coexistence. Read more | ||
Gender & Climate Justice Program will be organized in partnership with the Climate Defenders Project of the Asia Pacific YMCA in Manila, Philippines, from September 20-25, 2025. Read more | ||
| The Regional Gender Justice Program will be held in Manila, Philippines, from September 20 to 25, 2025, under the theme: “Climate Justice is Gender Justice.” Hosted by the YMCA of the Philippines, it will gather about 40 participants from YMCAs across Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Timor Leste. Participants can expect various experiences, including presentations, sharing sessions, group dynamics, and cultural expressions. We look forward to an enriching experience and will share updates in the next newsletter! | ||
| COMMUNITY WELLBEING | ||
YMCA Inter School Literary Competition, 2025 YMCA Cuttack organized the YMCA Inter School Literary Competition (ISLC) from August 1 to August 31, 2025. This competition is a significant event in the history of YMCA Cuttack, having been held for over 60 years and is unique to the Silver City. Read more | ||
Unity, Freedom and Empowerment: A Celebration of Minorities Day On 8 August 2025, YMCA Lahore hosted a special program to celebrate the National Minorities Day. Along with commemorating the National Minorities Day, Independence Day was also celebrated with great zeal. The event aimed at fostering unity, freedom and empowerment for all citizens under the same shelter; Pakistan. Read more | ||
“AI chatbots as therapists: Are we ready for this?” It’s a thoughtful and timely exploration of how AI tools are being used for mental health support - highlighting both their potential and the concerns around empathy, bias, and clinical oversight. Read more | ||
| MOVEMENT STRENGTHENING | ||
Programs & Activities organized by YMCA Cuttack YMCA Cuttack organized a series of programs and activities in the month of August 2025. Read more | ||
| CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | ||
Youth voices lead YMCA’s conversation on Christian identity On 14 August, young people from over 20 Asia Pacific countries met for the first of four Youth Dialogues as part of a Movement-wide Conversation on the Christian identity of the 21st Century YMCA. They discussed the meaning of belonging in their global Movement, showing clear passion, emphasising their shared Christian foundations and the YMCA's mission to love and serve everyone, regardless of faith. Read more | ||
| REFLECTION AND INSIGHTS FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS | ||
Reflections and Insights from Ramesh Kannan Participant of the 40th Advanced Studies Program The ASP not only equipped me with tools to strengthen our organizational impact but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among participants. Through this re-entry plan, I aim to translate these learnings into meaningful action in my community and contribute more effectively to the YMCA’s mission of empowering individuals and nurturing holistic development. Said, Ramesh Kannan. Read more | ||
| ANNOUNCEMENTS | ||
‘Early Bird’ registration opens! Click here to know more about the upcoming YMCA World Council | ||
| Upcoming Programs! | ||
Gender & Climate Justice Program will be organized in partnership with the Climate Defenders Project of the Asia Pacific YMCA in Manila, Philippines, from September 20-25, 2025 Photo credit: UN Global Goals | ||
Youth Transformation Program of APAY will be organized in collaboration with the Climate Defenders Project in Manila, Philippines, from October 13-18, 2025 | ||
Asia Pacific YMCA’s 41st Advanced Studies Program Heads to Bali, Indonesia from Oct 26 - Nov 23, 2025 | ||
An unexpected fire broke out at the
YMCA International Centre in Sri Lanka; buildings are partially damaged!