We, young people from different countries from Asia and Pacific countries came here to Manila with feelings of ambivalence towards our role and our responsibilities in our own social realities. As we gathered here and learned about each others conditions, and studied in-depth the issues around us, we came to realize that we have a vital role to play.

Ah, Lord God behold I cannot speak, for I am a youth. But the Lord said to me. Do not say I am a youth for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:7-8)

We spent two days of interesting discussions, exchange of inspiring insights, fun-filled interaction and active participation from all of us 56 delegates from the Asia and Pacific countries.

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. (Psalms 107:6)

The synergy that we had during this Forum gave us an inner drive to seriously explore and closely examine the issues that confront us in our own societies and in our own YMCAs. The overwhelming impact of globalization that we never thought so deeply about made us quite anxious. The unfamiliarity of this phenomenon makes us jittery. Yet, we also get excited about the possibilities of getting closer with each other considering the compression of time and space brought about by globalization.

We recognized that globalization is irreversible. We therefore need to strengthen our own cultural identities to be able to minimize the negative influences this process brings. We must enhance our understanding of ourselves and of other peoples so that we could help build a global village that nurtures the peoples well being. We remain hopeful that just, peaceful and sustainable communities are still a possibility in the future. We stand firm with this vision and we commit to work towards its attainment.

Living in a global village, we could move forward in a more synchronized manner, given our networks. However, we recognize that we also have our weaknesses. We are sometimes guilty of indifference towards the dynamics in our societies. Thus, we resolve the constantly remind each other we have to gather our strengths and act together to protect our future and nurture our ideals and aspirations.

We resolve to become subjects of the dynamics around us. We belong to and we are a part of our own communities. We are players in the dramas in this world. Thus, we have the right to actively participate in all life processes and let our voices be heard.

And sow fields and plant vineyards, that they may yield a fruitful harvest. (Psalms 107:37)

In the coming quadrennium, we set targets that will help us attain our vision. We plan to address the following concerns and issues:

Information Technology

In an age when you are unfamiliar with the cyberworld, isolation sets in. There is a need therefore to filter the influences of this technological revolution by thinking critically and turning its operations into our advantage. We must therefore equip ourselves with skills in managing the information technology so that we will have the capacity to maximise the benefits of IT. We will therefore create the Asia YMCA Youth Network (YouthNet).

Cultural Identities

Our sense of ourselves in relation to our communities, our understanding of our roots and traditions that promote harmony with nature are constantly challenged these days. We must therefore organise actions that are geared towards reinforcing values and customs that are nature-friendly and place high regard to peoples dignity.

Environmental Issues

Intensified actions towards environmental protection and conservation which ensures a sustainable future must be advanced by young people＊s initiatives.

Education and Unemployment

We recognise the flaws in our educational systems. We feel that they restrict our creativity and imagination and only offer selective knowledge without encouraging us to explore our world and discover full humanity in us. It seems that many of our curricula develop technocrats in us, many of who after graduating will become unemployed. We have to advocate for changes in our systems and search for alternative forms of training and learning processes. We must also search for ways to push the system into providing educational opportunities to all especially to the poor people who cannot afford schooling.

Growing Militarisation and War

We see people suffering from the military/militant aggressions, traumatized children, displaced communities, physically/psychologically victimized peoples in war-torn lands. Increasing civil wars and ethnic cleansing plant hatred and conflicts. We demand for peace and reconciliation efforts and the YMCA movement should serve as pressure group, actively advocate for peace and be a voice to the oppressed.

Mechanisms for Urgent Actions

We recognize the need to install systems such as ※Asia YMCA Youth Net§ that will quickly respond to pressing issues like responding to the Jubilee 2000 campaign and other issues. These are forms of organizing that need not go through tedious and long deliberations.

Youth Participation

We are a creative force in our societies and it is not enough that we are the ones served by programs and actions in order to improve our plight. We want to be part of the discussions, deliberations and dialogues about our societies. We want to develop actions for ourselves because non-young people who formulate agenda for us, do not empathize fully with us. We must therefore create a mechanism so that we will be at the mainstream of decision-making processes and not at the margins.

To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance (Psalm 105:11)

We sincerely hope that we will have tangible result sin dealing with these concerns after four years. Thus, we strongly propose that the Assembly approve the following :

" At least one-third (1/3) youth participation in all committees/programs of the Asia Alliance

" A seat for the Youth Committee Chairperson and a seat for the Women Committee Chairperson at the Executive Committee for the development of leadership

" Request national and local movements to ensure the participation of all Youth Committee members at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Asia Alliance of YMCAs

" Provision of a youth intern to act as coordinator for the ※Asia YMCA Youth Network (YouthNet)

" Develop youth resources by revitalizing the YMCAs＊ social education approaches through the use of information technology.

" A focus should be given on mobilizing and building youth leadership when newly establishing YMCA.

" Support/organize groups to tackle pressing issues such as the Jubilee 2000 campaign.

With Jesus Christ as the source of our inspiration whose love keeps the flames in our hearts burning, we will proceed with our tasks. Collectively and creatively, we lay down our commitment.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim to the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)