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.