University & College YMCA 20th Anniversary International Youth Conference 2023

Last Updated (Monday, 08 January 2024 17:00)

Inspiring Young People to Make a Difference: University & College YMCA 20th Anniversary International Youth Conference 2023

Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong hosted University & College YMCA International Youth Conference 2023 "Inspire2gether: Community Wellbeing in Post-pandemic Era" from 21-24 July. The conference brought together over 100 local and overseas delegates with the aim of inspiring young people to respond to society's needs. It served as a multicultural platform for knowledge exchange. Activities such as thematic talks, community explorations, and design thinking workshops were conducted to stimulate delegates' thoughts on the pandemic's impact on community wellbeing.

Several esteemed professionals presented their valuable insights on related topics. Mr. Răzvan-Victor Sassu, Head of Strategy & Policy of World Alliance of YMCAs (World YMCA), discussed the World YMCA's efforts in addressing community wellbeing in the post-pandemic era. He emphasized the importance of the younger generation's role and responsibilities in creating a sustainable and equitable world, highlighting the YMCA's Vision 2030. Additionally, professors from The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong shared their research findings and insights on the impact of the pandemic on families and emotional health.

To gain firsthand insight into the challenges of communities, delegates participated in a wide array of community exploration activities such as visits to the communities and various service units of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, enabling them to understand the needs of young people, the elderly, low-income families and the homeless after the pandemic. Moreover, the Conference featured a cultural carnival where delegates showcased their culture through traditional attire, food and games. The carnival attracted over 200 children and parents, providing an opportunity for delegates to connect with the local community and share their diverse cultures.

In the Closing Ceremony, we were honored to host a distinguished panel of guests, including Mr. Alex Fan, MH, Non-official Member of the Youth Development Commission; Mr. Răzvan-Victor Sassu; The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Soo, JP, Director of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong; Dr. Eddie Ho, Chairman of University & College YMCA Committee of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, and Mr. Karl Lau, General Secretary of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. During the ceremony, delegates shared their solutions and insights on addressing challenges faced by young people, the elderly, low-income families, and the homeless, utilizing the Design Thinking framework. Representatives from partnered universities provided valuable feedback, encouraging delegates to further develop their talents and make a positive social impact.

The YMCA in Mongolia celebrated its 10th anniversary

Last Updated (Monday, 15 January 2024 08:57)

On November 18th, the YMCA of Mongolia joyfully celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gathering of national and international partners, volunteers and staff. The celebration, held in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, included reflections on the start of the YMCA movement in Mongolia, traditional music and dance performances and presentation of gifts.

More than 130 guests came together to help mark the momentous occasion. The YMCA of Mongolia was pleased to welcome a number of esteemed international guests who traveled for the anniversary event. The Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCA General Secretary Nam Boo Won welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of weathering the ups and downs of growth and coming through with a firmer foundation. He wished the YMCA of Mongolia longevity like that of what will be celebrated in Korea with their upcoming 120 year anniversary.

Remarks were also shared by Vincent George, National Council of YMCA India president and APAY vice president, with wishes for continued growth and hope for the YMCA of Mongolia’s ability to purchase land and build upon it. Mr. George personally pledged his own financial contribution to the land fund and encouraged YMCA of Mongolia General Secretary Munkhtsog Davaadorj to grow this contribution through further fundraising. Traditional Indian gifts were also bestowed upon the YMCA of Mongolia staff, presented by Mr. George and Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Youth Secretary of the National Council of YMCA.

From Japan, the Mongolia team welcomed Tsutomu Taguchi, national general secretary of YMCA Japan, Hideki Ishibashi, director of Student YMCA and Positive Net Department, Yasuo Miyato, general secretary of Ibaraki YMCA, and Akiyuki, staff from Ibaraki YMCA. They also shared their best wishes with the assembled staff, volunteers and guests, speaking of their hope that the shared work and cooperation between the YMCA movements would continue to grow.

Honorio Tan, president of Manila Downtown YMCA in the Philippines, spoke about his work with the founding members of the YMCA of Mongolia and how he watched the movement take shape and begin throughout the last ten years. The Manila Downtown YMCA has been a long term financial supporter of YMCA of Mongolia, aiding in their ability to do their work. He was joined by Venus May Alinsod, executive director of Manila Downtown YMCA, in presenting honorary gifts to the Mongolian staff.

Guests from Korea also joined the international visitor delegation, bringing best wishes from the Korean YMCA and Gwangju YMCA, a strong financial supporting partner. Kaeng-Ok Kang, chairman of Gwangju YMCA, Il-Do Na, vice chairman of Gwangju YMCA, Un-Ki Lee, general secretary of Gwangju YMCA and Hyo-Jong Kim, director of Gwangju YMCA spoke of their hope for YMCA of Mongolia’s future growth and the long-lasting impact they can have on their community through young people.

During the anniversary event, the outgoing board president Bolortuya Dondovsambuu ceremoniously transferred the presidency to newly elected board president Bat-Unur Erdenebayar. Founding member Javkhlantugs Ganbaatar was also honored during the celebrations, with appreciation expressed for his work in creating the YMCA of Mongolia ten years ago. Mr. Davaadorj closed the event by expressing his gratitude for all of the work, commitment and support shown by the YMCA of Mongolia’s partners, staff and volunteers.

That evening the APAY team hosted a dinner for the YMCA of Mongolia’s international guests, staff and volunteers. Everyone had a wonderful time fellowshiping over food and multilingual conversations and translations.

The following day a Partner Support Group meeting was held in the YMCA of Mongolia’s offices. PSG members met with the outgoing and new board presidents and national general secretary and listened to a presentation about the YMCA of Mongolia’s current work and goals. They had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the current strategies and support needed. After lunch they spent time exploring the Mongolian countryside with a trip to the Chinggis Khan statue, Terelj National Park and horseback riding. All guests safely returned to their homes after the weekend celebrations.

Haeng-Ok Kang- Chairman of Gwangju YMCA

Il-Do Na- Vice Chairman of Gwangju YMCA

Un-Ki Lee- General Secretary of Gwangju YMCA

Hyo-Jong Kim- Director of Gwangju YMCA

Venus May Alinsod - Executive Director of Manila Downtown YMCA

Honorio Tan- President of Manila Downtown YMCA

Nam Boo Won- APAY General Secretary

Vincent George, National Council of YMCA India President and APAY Vice-President

Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, National Council of YMCA, Youth Secretary

Tsutomu Taguchi, National General Secretary of YMCA Japan

Hideki Ishibashi- Director of Student YMCA and Positive Net Department

Yasuo Miyato- General Secretary of Ibaraki YMCA

Akiyuki Miyoshi- Staff of Ibaraki YMCA

Youth Exchange Program 2023 in Bangladesh

Last Updated (Friday, 12 January 2024 16:51)

National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh

Youth Exchange Program 2023

Youth Exchange Program 2023 was held on June 15-18, 2023. It was organized by the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh (NCYB) at the premises of Birisiri YMCA, Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh. Thirty five (35) young people attended the program from nine (9) Local YMCAs, namely: Barisal YMCA, Birisiri YMCA, Bogra YMCA, Edilpur YMCA, Foiljana YMCA, Jeshor YMCA, Gopalgonj YMCA, Kaligram YMCA, and Savar YMCA. Upon arrival on June 15, 2023 Birisiri YMCA (Host YMCA) youth forum organized reception and cultural program in the evening for youth participants and NCYB Staff. For maximum learning, the program was designed around educating young people on Vision 2030 content, Mental Health Wellbeing, Debate Competition, Quiz Competition, football site seeing and cultural program.

The group photo of the Youth Exchange Program 2023

Objectives of the Action

The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh mobilize young people through the Youth Exchange Program, with the objective to engage and empower young people to become active citizens, connect them to different local YMCAs to help them acquire and develop competences for their life and future.

More specifically, Youth Exchanges aim to:

• develop skills and attitudes of young people;
• strengthen Local YMCAs values and build up more bonds among the youth forum member;
• raise awareness about the social media negatives impact and build confidence through learning about mental health situation.
• Strengthen young people's body, mind, and spirit through various events like game, song and exploring amazing nature.

The first day on June 16, 2023 of Youth Exchange Program started with devotion praising our Almighty and inauguration ceremony. During the inauguration ceremony, beautiful speeches were given by Mr. Nipun Sangma, National General Secretary, NCYB and Mr. Rumon Rangsa, Vice President, NCYB. Immediately after the inauguration ceremony the participants were introduced to Vision 2030. During the session the youth participants learned the contents of YMCA Vision 2030, its four (4) pillars, the programmes/activities of Bangladesh YMCA relating to Vision 2030 and Local YMCAs's alignment and execution of Community Wellbeing, Meaningful work, Sustainable planet and Just world through different programs and activities. To conclude the session the participants were divided in to four (4) groups to discuss on how each of them can contribute in their local community under four pillars of Vision 2030. In the afternoon the participants enthusiastically participated in debate competition on the topic “How Social Media Impacts our Socialization”. For recreation, in the evening the participants played football, basketball and chess. The participants also tried local Garo traditional dish “Do’o Khapa” (Chicken dish) prepared by the Birisiri YMCA youth forum.

Different events photo of the Youth Exchange Program

The next day on June 17, the day started with morning devotion and recap session from the previous day. In recent days, mental health is a burning issue around the globe. Especially it is seen amongst the young people from age of 15-30. With this objective the participants were introduced about Mental Health Wellbeing and its key components; the way to build self-confidence and to lead a successful life and to live depression- and anxiety-free life. This session was followed by a Quiz competition on the topic Vision 2030 and Mental Health Wellbeing. In the afternoon, the participants went on a famous site seeing places in Birisiri; Bijoypur (famous for Blue Lake), Ranikong mission, and Indian Boarder Market.

Two days program concluded with cultural program where the participants preformed drama, song and dance. Finally, all participants showed their energy to learn and sing the song composed by our pride Dr. Bartholomew Shaha, former Secretary General of WAY who dedicated his entire life in giving service for YMCA, at Local, Regional and World YMCA. This is our initial initiative of singing the song 'YMCA my address (YMCA mor thikana)'.

Reported by Biplob Rangsa, Executive Secretary of Programme, NCYB

Global Staff Team (GST) Meeting was Co-hosted by APAY and YMCA of Korea

Last Updated (Monday, 15 January 2024 08:58)

Global Staff Team (GST) Meeting was Co-hosted by APAY and YMCA of Korea 

Global Staff Team (GST) Meeting

Global Staff Team (GST) members meet regularly to share the current status of YMCA movement of each region and to collaboratively develop the global strategy, positioning, and visibility. The GST consists of seven professional leadership: Secretary General of the World YMCA, the General Secretaries of the Area Alliances (Africa, Asia and Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean), and representatives of YUSA and YMCA Canada.

This year, the GST meeting was held on October 3-7 in Seoul and Jeju Island, South Korea, co-hosted by Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) and NCY-Korea. Seven YMCA leaders discussed the important agendas such as the Areas Update and Vision 2030 implementation, also had various meaningful side events such as the press conference for peace on Korean Peninsula, visit to Demilitarized zone (DMZ) between South and North Korea, meeting with Jeju Governor, and visit to the site of APAY Jeju office and soon-to-be YMCA Global Peace & Ecology Center.

Press Conference for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

The press conference with the title ‘World YMCA Leaders solidify with Korean civil society to Protect Peace on the Korean Peninsula’ was held on October 4 in Seoul, South Korea. The statement was released by GST members to call for i) end-of-war declaration on the Korean Peninsula, ii) conclusion of a peace agreement, iii) denuclearization of Korean Peninsula, and iv) establishment of the World YMCA Pyongyang* Liaison Office. The statement also mentioned that the peace movement on the Korean Peninsula can play a key role in establishing peace in East Asia and the world. (*Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea.)

The matter of the World YMCA Pyongyang liaison office was adopted in the resolution at the 2018 Chiang Mai YMCA World Council and again at the 2022 Aarhus Denmark World Council. Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of World YMCA said “The core content of the resolution is to establish a World YMCA liaison office in Pyongyang. I look forward for North Korea to open the door for the necessary dialogue.” He also added “I am ready to visit Pyongyang at any time.” APAY also showed its support for the liaison office by establishing a Task Force for peace building on the Korean Peninsula in 2021 and by adopting a resolution for peace on Korean Peninsula at the 21st General Assembly in India this year.

The related statement and resolutions can be found by clicking each item below:

- Statement of the World YMCA leaders’ in solidarity for declaration of the end of Korean War and conclusion of peace treaty denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and establishment of the World YMCA Pyongyang Liaison Office

- Resolution at 2018 19th YMCA World Council

- Resolution at 2022 20th YMCA World Council

- Resolution at 2023 21st APAY General Assembly in solidarity with Korea YMCA in its efforts towards declaration of the end of Korean War and conclusion of peace treaty as well as re-start of the YMCAs in North Korea 

Visit to Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The South Korea and North Korea have been divided since 1945, even more with the Korean war in 1950, resulting in the creation of the border with the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) as a barrier. On October 3, the GST members had the opportunity to visit the Paju Unification Observatory in the DMZ area.  

In front of the statue of the late Cho Man-sik, former General Secretary of Pyongyang YMCA

During their visit to the Observatory, looking towards North Korea in the far, GST members realized the tragic division of the Korea over 78 years and military tension between the two Koreas. In particular, the Manghyangdan deeply resonated with them, providing a strong sense of the heart-wrenching reality of families torn apart by the division. (*Manghyangdan is an offering set where individuals or groups perform a ritual in memory of the missing or separated family member due to the division.)

Afterwards, they visited the Hantan-river UNESCO Global Geopark in the neighboring cities of Pocheon and Yeoncheon, where the unique volcanic landform and conservation of the nature were impressive. Like Hantan-river, the river that flows from the North Korea to South Korea, there remains the hope for the unobstructed connection with the peace reconciliation and solidarity between the two Koreas. 

Visit to the Site of APAY Jeju Office and YMCA Global Peace & Ecology Center

GST members visited the site of APAY Jeju office building and YMCA Global Peace & Ecology Center (GPEC). A nice walk along the future GPEC campsite and APAY Jeju office building left a deep impression to the GST members who agreed and supported the vision of the GPEC. 

Thanks to the hard work with big financial contribution by the NCY-Korea, the construction of APAY Jeju office will be completed in the near future. With the advantage of Jeju’s 30-day visa-free entry option for nationals from many countries except for a few in the AP region, APAY Jeju office will provide a safe and stable platform for diverse gatherings, in particular, for the young people.

The GPEC is a grant project of the NCY-Korea along with APAY in cooperation with Y-USA and World YMCA, to provide an inspirational education/training platform for youths to learn from each other as well as discuss and imagine life, ecology, climate, and peace in solidarity. The various global exchange programs will take place at the GPEC which is designed to be “green” buildings that run with renewable energy, and the campground surrounded by untouched nature will be used fully by the youths for their learning, interacting and networking.

Meeting with Jeju Governor

Oh Young-hoon, Jeju Governor warmly welcomed the GST member’s visit to Jeju, ‘an Island of World Peace’ with the YMCA flag. The Governor emphasized to explore the collaboration opportunities between APAY and public institutes and support the projects that give dreams and hope to the next generation. Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of World YMCA responded with gratitude for the support and cooperation, saying that APAY office and GPEC in Jeju will be a great steppingstone for the ‘Sustainable Planet’ pillar of Vision 2030.

Quality Time with the Members of NCY-Korea

GST members had a great time with the members of NCY-Korea to learn more about the history of Korea YMCAs/civil society and Korean cultures. This quality times with amazing Korean dishes were hosted by Kim Shin-Hyang, President of NCY-Korea and Yoon Jang-Hyun, former President of NCY-Korea. GST members expressed their sincere appreciation to the said hosts, NCY-Korea, and APAY for the warm hospitality.

~ By Yura Rhee, Secretary for Youth Empowerment and Admin, APAY &
Daeun Yang, International Secretary, NCY-Korea