Youth and Experts Gather for Peace Roundtable Talk on Life of Youth amid Conflicts and Wars

Youth and Experts Gather for Peace Roundtable Talk on Life of Youth amid Conflicts and Wars

In a world where wars and violent conflicts continue to devastate communities, young people remain among the most deeply affected. To reflect on these realities and to explore paths of solidarity, the Youth-Experts Peace Roundtable was held on 17 September 2025 at Kintex, Goyang in South Korea. Titled “International Conflict, Discord, and the Life of Youth”, this open dialogue brought together around 40 participants, including youth leaders, scholars, peace activists, and cultural practitioners.

The roundtable was co-hosted by Sound of Hope, Goyang YMCA, Hawkma Future Society Research Institute, Friends of Asia, and APAY, with the support of Ministry of Unification. Among the opening remarks, Ms. Eunkyeong Jeong, President of Sound of Hope, welcomed the experts and young presenters and expressed her expectation that a collaborative platform will be built for further solidarity actions as an outcome of this roundtable. Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY, emphasized the urgency of deeply listening to youth voices in times of conflict with a view to finding a pathway towards a more peaceful world for young people.

 

Roundtable 1 featured expert inputs on how conflicts reshape youth lives and communities. Speakers addressed issues of displacement, the “double standards” of international responses, and the power of culture, art, and sports in peacebuilding. Mimi Han, a member of APAY Gender Equity Committee and APAY Honours Society, and former Vice President of the World YWCA, reminded participants “Even when politics and military power divide nations, culture, the arts, and sports unite hearts. And when hearts come together on common ground, visions of peace become reality. You are the connectors of that future.”

The most moving part of the event was Roundtable 2, which offered the floor to young people themselves. Eight youth speakers from Palestine, Yemen, Myanmar, and Korea shared not only the pain of conflict but also the resilience and creativity of youth who continue to dream of peace.

From Palestine, a young researcher and activist spoke about the struggles of Palestinian women living in Korea, who carry the burden of explaining their homeland’s suffering while also creating bridges of solidarity through education and culture. Another young Palestinian artist, shared how her creative work explores memory, identity, and hope across generations, showing that art can be resistance as well as healing.

A Yemini youth activist recounted how his once-peaceful country has been devastated by war since 2015. Now a refugee in Korea, he described the double struggle of displacement and the fight for recognition, while also highlighting how Yemeni youth organize to support one another and keep hope alive.

A youth activist from Myanmar told of the courage and risks taken by young people resisting the military junta through the Civil Disobedience Movement. His testimony revealed both the dangers of imprisonment and violence, and the determination of youth to pursue democracy.

From Korea, Wootaek Lim, President of Korea Uni-Y, spoke on the role of Korean students in linking grassroots activism with global solidarity, highlighting the Uni Y exchange between Korea and Japan and 2^nd AP Christian Assembly. Seungju Lee, a Korean student in Germany, critiqued how Western progressive media often distorts narratives of wars, urging young people to reclaim their voices and stories.

Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary of APAY, presented insights on the youth peace movement in Asia Pacific region, highlighting APAY’s Interfaith Cooperation Forum, an initiative under Just World that has engaged young people for 20 years.

Together, these testimonies reminded participants that while conflicts differ, the struggles of youth are interconnected. Whether through activism, education, or art, young people are turning their wounds into bridges of solidarity.

The Roundtable affirmed that youth are not only victims of war but also agents of peace who carry the vision of a more just and humane world. Their voices called the international community to recognize the daily realities of young people in conflict zones and to support their efforts for dignity, solidarity, and hope.

 

Prepared by Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary for Youth Employment

APAY Youth Transformation Program 2025

Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 December 2025 11:03)

APAY Youth Transformation Program 2025 in collaboration with Climate Defenders Project

“Youth Reimagining Tomorrow: Design Thinking for a Sustainable Planet”
Date: October 13–18, 2025
Venue: YMCA Makati, Philippines

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The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) organized the first-ever Youth Transformation Program in the region from October 13 to 18, 2025, hosted by the YMCA Makati, Philippines. With the theme “Youth Reimagining Tomorrow: Design Thinking for a Sustainable Planet,” the program gathered eighteen (18) passionate young leaders from ten (10) National YMCA Movements (India, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam).

The program aimed to transform young people into future-ready changemakers by equipping them with essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, environmental stewardship, and AI literacy. Through hands-on learning and applying the Design Thinking process to develop youth-led solution on Climate actions, participants explored key frameworks and skills essential to becoming transformative leaders.

The Youth Transformation Program 2025 was a week full of learning, laughter, inspiration, and cultural exchange. Over the course of the program, they developed strong foundations in caring for the environment, empathizing with others, and building meaningful connections with people and communities, amidst the challenges they face in today’s uncertain times. It reminded everyone that young people have the power to bring positive change through courage, creativity, and care for the planet.

Highlight video:
https://youtu.be/izw90R0DlEE?si=TSmDKNmRXGDboeaP

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Day 1 – Leadership and Courage

The program opened with warm greetings from Mr. Tomas Cadorna Banguis Jr., President of YMCA Makati, followed by inspiring remarks from Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY.

Mr. Nam, in his keynote session “Youth Transformation in Times of Uncertainty”, emphasized how individuals, especially young people, can make a positive impact despite the challenges they face. He also explored how youth leadership can evolve in response to society’s ever-changing needs, beginning with foundational questioning that moves from identifying the issue to envisioning meaningful solutions. He encouraged everyone to lead with courage and hope, most especially in times of difficulty.

Later in the day, Mr. Rovin Jhon B. Cincollagas, Chairperson of APAY YPLD Committee, talked about “Servant Leadership in Action: Communicating with Empathy and Impact.” He tackled the significance of one's values and attributes as a leader, and working with a diverse group of talents. He also inspired participants to become transformational leaders who help others grow, lead by example, empower their members, and serve with empathy to make a positive difference.

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Day 2 – Climate Actions and Design Thinking

Mr. Chan Beng Seng, APAY Coordinator of Climate Defenders Project, led the session on “Green Literacy” by introducing the Climate Glossary and explaining key environmental terms, the impact of people’s actions, and the urgency for efforts to combat them. He likewise discussed the importance of individual contributions in mitigating the worsening climate change and what the YMCA is doing and can do.

With the learning, participants moved into designing their own youth-led solution on climate action under Sustainable Planet pillar. Ms. Magda Gana, General Secretary of the YMCA Makati, and Ms. Yura Rhee, APAY Junior Executive Secretary, introduced “Design Thinking and Agenda Setting”, by walking through the participants in its five (5) stage process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test) and engaging them with activities, such as context mapping and development, storyboarding, and proposal development. Participants learned to think creatively and design solutions the community needed, transforming them into leaders who create solutions based on what people and the problem at hand really need.

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Day 3 – Learning from the Field

Participants visited the Rotary Club AI Academy, where Mr. Roger Collantes facilitated a hands-on session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical, responsible use for social good. Through engaging activities and discussions, youth explored the dynamics and potential of AI as a tool for making a meaningful impact. They gained valuable skills and insights that can help them become future-ready leaders.

To deepen their understanding of climate action and draw inspiration, participants visited the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST) Environment Center. There, Ms. Mae Ferrero delivered a lively and engaging talk on caring for our planet and protecting the environment. During the visit, participants witnessed practical sustainability efforts firsthand, including a water catchment facility, Biochar production, composting systems, plastic recycling initiatives, and the design of eco-friendly infrastructure.

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Day 4 – Final Presentations and Solidarity Night

On the final day, participants completed their climate action solutions and presented their prototype ideas. These creative projects reflected the insights and skills they gained throughout the week. Each group shared their concepts with facilitators and peers, receiving thoughtful feedback and words of encouragement. The session ended with a challenge to turn their proposals into reality.

The program ended with a joyful Farewell Dinner and Solidarity Night, where everyone wore colorful traditional clothes, sang, danced, and celebrated their new friendships and shared dreams for a better world.

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The success of the Youth Transformation Program reflects the shared commitment of APAY, the YPLD Committee, and YMCA movements across the region to nurture future leaders who embody courage, sustainability, and innovation in action. The warm hospitality of YMCA Makati and YMCA of the Philippines played a vital role in making this program a meaningful experience for all.

Reported by:

Documentation Team:
Ramis John, Pakistan.
Jayson Noga, Philippines.
San Win Aung (JAY), Myanmar.
Yura Rhee, APAY

Virtual Change Agent Regional Gathering 2025

Virtual Change Agent Regional Gathering 2025

Date: August 23, 2025
Organized by: YPLD Committee of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY)

On August 23, 2025, the YPLD (Youth Participation and Leadership Development) Committee of the 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─including Change Agents, Coaches, and APAY YPLD Committee members─from across the Asia-Pacific region to learn, connect, and exchange ideas. APAY General Secretary Mr. Nam Boo Won and Ms. Maricris from  World YMCA also joined the gathering.

The gathering had three main objectives:
1) To deepen understanding of the history and mission of the YMCA movement in Asia and Pacific context;
2) To strengthen connections among the youth participants;
3) To foster learning and collaboration among the young leaders in the region.

This gathering provided a meaningful platform for young leaders to engage with the YMCA legacy and ongoing mission in Asia and Pacific region. Breakout group discussions created a vibrant and engaging space for dialogue, learning, and connection. The active participation, energy, and enthusiasm of the Change Agents contributed to the success of this meaningful virtual gathering.

Mr. Ramis John,
Change Agent/ YPLD Member,
Youth Coordinator,
Lahore YMCA, Pakistan.