FEBRUARY 2026


Dear Friends,
In the spirit of a Just World, YMCAs and partners lifted up women’s voices through the Interfaith Webinar on Rights, Justice, and Action and the global Call for Action in Celebration of Young Women’s Leadership, uniting participants across traditions and continents. In Pakistan, Lahore YMCA hosted the Second Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change, reinforcing our shared commitment to care for creation.

Closer to communities, YMCA Cuttack engaged people through a Cancer Awareness Programme and an Open Men’s Doubles Badminton Tournament, showing how knowledge and sports can strengthen wellbeing and solidarity.

Together, these stories remind us that the YMCA is not only about programs, but about people—youth, leaders, and communities—working hand in hand for a just and sustainable future.

Enjoy a meaningful read!

The Editorial Team


Six Seven: The Word That Means Nothing and Everything

What does belonging feel like for young people finding their place in the world? "Six Seven: The Word That Means Nothing and Everything," a youth-written piece on the WhyNot Platform, explores connection, identity, and the moments that make us feel seen. It highlights that community wellbeing stems from everyday interactions and safe spaces for young people to be themselves, reflecting WhyNot’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and centering them in conversations.  Read more

JUST WORLD

 Webinar on Rights, Justice, and Action: An Interfaith Call for All Women and Girls

On 9 March 2026, the Gender Equity Committee of Asia Pacific YMCA hosted an International Women’s Day webinar featuring women leaders from Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist traditions. Inspiring messages were shared by APAY leaders, and the event drew 104 participants, reflecting strong regional engagement. Read more

Call for action in celebration of young women’s leadership in YMCA/YWCA

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, 291 people registered for a global event on 5 March 2026. Participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, India, Ghana, Japan, the US, Ireland, and France, joined the virtual gathering to share challenges, find solidarity, and celebrate leadership. Read more



SUSTAINABLE PLANET


Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change in Pakistan

The Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan was conducted from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the YMCA Hall in Lahore, Pakistan. The workshop was organized by Lahore YMCA, in collaboration with the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF) and the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY). Read more

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Initiatives of YMCA Cuttack
Cancer Awareness Programme

YMCA Cuttack observed World Cancer Day by conducting a Cancer Awareness Programme at Thompson Women’s Training Institute on 7th February 2026. The training program was attended by 120 participants. Read more

YMCA Badminton Tournament


The YMCA Cuttack successfully organized an Open Men’s Doubles Badminton Tournament on February 14th and 15th, 2026. This event was officially approved by the Orissa State Badminton Association. The tournament received co-sponsorship from the Y's Men Club of Cuttack Millennium, Mohanty Combines, Nexus Engineering, and Glaze. Read more

Celebrating Faith, Fellowship & Community

YMCA Lahore celebrated Christmas Program 2025 with great joy, reverence, and community spirit. The event brought together church leaders, YMCA leadership, members, and guests in an atmosphere filled with faith, unity, and gratitude. Read more

YMCA of the City of Baguio celebrated its 84th Anniversary with a special event for Children

The pageant Search for Little Mr. and Ms. YMCA Baguio is an annual program of the YMCA Baguio through the Pre-School Program in support to the Annual Celebration of the Anniversary of YMCA of the City of Baguio since 1941. The pageant search started after the killer earthquake in 1996 as a popularity contest selling tickets and giving donation envelopes to raise funds for the YMCA Pre-School. Read more

YMCA Cuttack Christmas Celebrations with the Community

The YMCA Cuttack celebrated Christmas with a Carol Service and Cultural Programme on 6 December 2025. On 17 December 2025, YMCA Cuttack, in association with YMCA Tankibelary, organized a Blanket Distribution Programme at YMCA Tankibelary. Read more

MOVEMENT STRENGTHENING

YMCA Timor-Leste: A Season of Growth, Celebration, and Visionary Planning

The final months of 2025 were marked by significant organizational milestones, empowering youth achievements, and joyful community celebration, all driving forward our commitment to the YMCA 2030 Vision. Read more

Formation of a new YMCA Daringbadi in the Eastern India Region

A new YMCA was inaugurated in Daringabadi on 23 January 2026 with the efforts of YMCA Cuttack and YMCA Bhubaneswar. The objective of forming new YMCAs in the Eastern India Region is to strengthen the Movement and extend God’s Kingdom. An Adhoc Committee was formed, and around 30 communicant members of Churches from different denominations attended the ceremony. Read more

YMCA leaders gather in Stockholm to fast-track Movement Strengthening Work

YMCA leaders from across the world came together in Stockholm, Sweden, for the third time in person meeting of the Strategic Alignment and Movement Strengthening (SAMS) Global Team, a working group focused on helping YMCAs everywhere grow stronger, more resilient, and better supported to deliver impact in their communities. Read more 

ANNOUNCEMENT

The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh is pleased to announce the election of Mr. Moses Shamol Gomes as President for the 2025–2027 term. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as he takes on this important leadership role, guiding the Council toward continued growth and service. Read more

UPCOMING PROGRAMS, MEETINGS, EVENTS
Asia Pacific YMCA is prepares for its 2026 Executive Committee Meeting, to be held from April 17–19, 2026, in Jeju, South Korea. We look forward to a gathering that will be meaningful, productive, uplifting, and truly enriching for all participants.

21st YMCA World Council – Toronto, Canada

Over 1,200 participants have already registered to Be Part of the Transformation at the 21st YMCA World Council, hosted by YMCA Canada from July 19–25, 2026. Click here to know more about the World Council.



Join YMCA events in observing International Women's Day through two inspiring global gatherings:

• YMCA Global Gathering

 March 5, 2026  14:00 UTC

• Asia Pacific YMCA Event by the Gender Equity Committee

 March 9, 2026  17:00 HKT

Let’s come together to celebrate women’s leadership, amplify voices for equity, and strengthen our shared commitment to justice.


An unexpected fire broke out at the YMCA International Centre in Sri Lanka; buildings are partially damaged!

A fire broke out in the early morning on the 23rd of July at the YMCA International Centre in Kurana, Katunayake. Many from the global YMCA community and APAY reached out to the YMCA Sri Lanka with solidarity and support. NCY of Sri Lanka is eternally grateful to all in the greater YMCA family for their camaraderie and concern during this time.