My reflection of the experience from the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27

Last Updated (Tuesday, 06 December 2022 13:44)

↑ COP27 commenced on 7th Nov, 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh	↑ World YMCA delegate and GS of YMCA of Hong Kong

Greenhouse gases emissions has reached record high this year and everyone should fight very hard to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels to reach net zero carbon emissions. As an enthusiastic engineer, I am dedicated to driving meaningful and positive change to climate issues in the aspect of mitigation and adaptation. 

I feel blessed that Mr. Peter Ho, our General Secretary of YMCA of Hong Kong is fully on board that we should promptly address climate change issues and strongly supported me as one of the youth delegates of the World YMCA Alliance in the 27th Conference of Parties, The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). 

Organised in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, COP27 is a meeting of world governments, researchers, IGOs and NGOs, with an aim to address rising temperatures. It provided a platform for me to immerse in different climate conversations on Just Transitions, Innovative Solutions of Future of Energy & Water Security, Food Security, Pioneering Finance for Climate & Development, and The Sustainability of Vulnerable Communities. The theme of the COP27 was Together for Implementation, which was very relevant to the issues all nations have been striving for. 

A wide variety of pavilions organised by different nations, NGOs or private sectors were showcased on how each has worked towards climate resilience and stayed relevant to the current situation and conditions. Children and Youth Pavilion, the first ever in the history of climate conference, was of particular significance to me as it highlighted the importance of engaging and empowering voices of youth leaders, and fostering our inclusion in the global climate conversation and policy-making.

Read more: My reflection of the experience from the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27

Philippine YMCA Trains New YMCA Staffs thru Virtual CDP – Basic Secretaries Training Course

Last Updated (Tuesday, 01 November 2022 14:49)

YMCA of the Philippines conducted its Career Development Program (CDP) – Basic Secretaries Training Course after suspending it for two years because of the covid-19 pandemic. After the re-definition of the YMCA Mission in response to changing social realities over the years, mindful of the changes and challenges to leadership development and the practice of leadership in strengthening the movement, the Career Development Program primarily focused on the formation of YMCA professional leaders for the strengthening and growth of the various movements in the country including Mission Clarity, Social Relevance and Institutional Viability.

The program brought together five young full-time staff and volunteer from three local YMCAs working in different roles and capacities. They are:

1. Ferdinand R. Castillo, YMCA of RINALI
2. Anshereen Gail L. Inocencio, YMCA of Manila
3. Ma. Isabel R. Parada, YMCA of Manila
4. Belenda A. Versoza, YMCA of Manila and;
5. Jayson A. Noga, YMCA of Albay

The 15- day intensive training provided various platforms for the participants to discover the roles and responsibilities of YMCA professionals especially in the re- affirmation of the YMCA as a people’s movement committed to working for justice and peace, according to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

This year’s training for YMCA staff were significant and considered as first in the YMCA-CDP history as it was fully accomplished virtually which the participant joined online for two and a half hours from October 2 to October 16, 2022. The course module was innovated to a shortened version of the original face to face training module to fit to the limitations of the virtual training and its implementation remained to be mindful of the changes and challenges of leadership development and leadership practice on strengthening the relevance of the movement.

The participants expanded their knowledge in exploring the various areas of the seven modules presented by the invited resource persons through interactive information inputs, presentations, workgroups, activities and discussions, such as Contemporary Christian Theology that were presented by Dr. Oscar P. Ferrer (Professor, University of the Philippines-Diliman); Understanding Ecumenism and Ecumenical Movements by Rev. Robert B. Sison, (whose also a CDP alumni and now the General Secretary of Baguio YMCA); Understanding YMCA by Mr. Pablito A. Tabucol, (National General Secretary of the YMCA of the Philippines and also the Program Director of this year CDP); Understanding Constituencies and Structures by Mr. Orlando F. Carreon (CDP alumni and current Director General of YMCA of Manila); Contextual Realities and Responses: Seeking Alternatives by Dr. Leocito Gabo(Professor, University of the Philippines-Diliman and also the CDP Consultant); Regional and Global Perspective on YMCA Mission by Ms. Sunita Suna (Program Executive from APAY); and Program Development and Management by Ms. Ianne Christine Aquino (also CDP Alumni and the Current General Secretary of YMCA Albay).

Read more: Philippine YMCA Trains New YMCA Staffs thru Virtual CDP – Basic Secretaries Training Course

GATN Task Force and Managers meet on the 10th anniversary of GATN

Last Updated (Tuesday, 01 November 2022 14:51)

Alternative Tourism promotes fair and just forms of travelling activities between members of different communities to achieve mutual understanding, solidarity and equality amongst the participants. It is a form of tourism that has a minimal negative impact on the physical and sociocultural environment in destination areas, and the local community substantially benefits from the tourism programme.

Unlike mass tourism, the main characteristics of the YMCA Alternative Tourism follow the “CHANGE” principles that seek to be Community centred, Holistic in approach, Advocating global citizenship, Nature conserving, Gender and child-sensitive, and Economically viable.

Read more: GATN Task Force and Managers meet on the 10th anniversary of GATN

Journeying Together As A Resilient Community: Transforming Lives Through Vision 2030

Last Updated (Tuesday, 01 November 2022 17:28)

The 2nd online Assembly Planning Committee (APC) meeting was held on October 18, 2022. The APC decided on the theme for the 21st General Assembly as “Journeying Together As A Resilient Community: Transforming Lives Through Vision 2030”.

The APAY affirms the Vision 2030 and is committed to translating the vision into reality in the Asia Pacific context. The 20th YMCA World Council adopted a Movement-wide Vision 2030 consisting of one collective vision and mission statement, four collective priority action areas: community well-being, meaningful work, sustainable planet, and just world and 12 collective goals to turn the priorities into action at the YMCA, the community and the global level. The 21st GA of the APAY is a significant platform for the Asia Pacific region to have meaningful discourse in integrating and implementing Vision 2030 in a diverse grassroots context through our actions.

Around 400 delegates from different parts of the Asia Pacific and the global partners will gather at the Hyatt Regency, Chennai, India, from September 15-20, 2023. The 5th Youth Assembly will bring 150 youths from September 13-15, 2023, to the YMCA International Youth Centre, Chennai. Simultaneously the 1st Gender Equity Forum will be held from September 13-15, 2023, at the YWCA International Guest House, Chennai. The APC also finalised the GA Committee members and the related secretaries for the concerned committees.

APAY is thankful to the NCY India and the Madras YMCA who have kindly agreed to co-host the 21st General Assembly along with their financial contribution to the GA. The APC is preparing to meet in person in Chennai, India, from January 6-9, 2023.

By Sunita Suna
Executive Secretary for Programs &
Related Secretary for the 21st GA of APAY