Committee on Movement Strengthening Consultation and Strategic Planning

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Last Updated (Wednesday, 02 April 2025 07:23)

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs’ Committee on Movement Strengthening conducted a Movement Strengthening Consultation on the development of MS Coordination and Strategic Planning in the Asia and Pacific region. This is in line with the efforts to develop coordination framework and system for long-term support to the movement strengthening process. The consultation was held on March 6-8, 2025, at the YMCA of Hong Kong. The consultation specifically aimed to:

  • Ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities among partners specifically the Committee Members, Partner Support Group and the APAY
  • Facilitate conversations and discussions on the current and future MS program direction
  • Draft the MS Coordination and Strategic Plan
  • Explore resource mobilization options (human and financial) for MS activities


The consultation and planning were participated by the following:

  1. Dr. Ramona U.J. Morales, M.D., Chairperson/ Vice President APAY (SEA)
  2. George Vincent, Vice-Chair/ Vice President APAY (South Asia)
  3. Peter Ho, General Secretary, YMCA of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  4. Yun Hee, General Secretary, Goyang YMCA, South Korea
  5. Won Young Yi (Benjamin), General Secretary, Chuncheon YMCA, South Korea
  6. Asir Pandian, General Secretary, Madras YMCA, Chennai, India
  7. Dr. Koshy Alexander, Secretary for Youth Work, National Council of YMCAs in India
  8. Magda Gana, (Observer) General Secretary, YMCA Makati
  9. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary, APAY
  10. Maria Cristina L. Miranda, MS Coordinator APAY

 

Through the participatory and consensus building approach, the members looked into the strengths, opportunities, areas that needed improvement and the threats in the movement strengthening engagement. As a result, the committee members had a comprehensive discussion on the strategic plan for the remaining quadrennial. The committee identified the activities to be prioritized and explored on how to mobilize resources to achieve the plans. The proposed activities will be reported during the Executive Committee Meeting to be held in Penang, Malaysia on April 3-7, 2025 for adoption.

The consultation also highlighted the important recognition of the coordination role of the APAY through the General Secretary and the MS Coordinator. As such, the committee affirms the role of the regional office to serve as the regional focal point that connects, and coordinates MS support coming from various stakeholders and will work directly with the target National Movements (NM).  In addition, the area will provide technical advice, disseminate, and collect information and manage funds and resources. It also reaffirms the vital role of the Partner Support Group and other resource groups in proving the resources that would facilitate the progress on each of the YMCA’s in need of support.

The area will work in an intentional and continuous process to develop healthy, resilient organizations that deepen community impact and advance the YMCA Collective Mission. This is done through enhancing good governance and leadership; developing a culture of mutual and continuous learning; building financial and operational sustainability; activating youth and community voice; and building a culture of strategic innovation (Adopted from the Global YMCA MS definition, 2024).


By Maria Cristina Miranda-Lastima,

APAY MS Coordinator