APAY Youth Transformation Program 2025
Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 December 2025 11:03)
APAY Youth Transformation Program 2025 in collaboration with Climate Defenders Project
“Youth Reimagining Tomorrow: Design Thinking for a Sustainable Planet”
Date: October 13–18, 2025
Venue: YMCA Makati, Philippines
The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) organized the first-ever Youth Transformation Program in the region from October 13 to 18, 2025, hosted by the YMCA Makati, Philippines. With the theme “Youth Reimagining Tomorrow: Design Thinking for a Sustainable Planet,” the program gathered eighteen (18) passionate young leaders from ten (10) National YMCA Movements (India, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam).
The program aimed to transform young people into future-ready changemakers by equipping them with essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, environmental stewardship, and AI literacy. Through hands-on learning and applying the Design Thinking process to develop youth-led solution on Climate actions, participants explored key frameworks and skills essential to becoming transformative leaders.
The Youth Transformation Program 2025 was a week full of learning, laughter, inspiration, and cultural exchange. Over the course of the program, they developed strong foundations in caring for the environment, empathizing with others, and building meaningful connections with people and communities, amidst the challenges they face in today’s uncertain times. It reminded everyone that young people have the power to bring positive change through courage, creativity, and care for the planet.
Highlight video:
https://youtu.be/izw90R0DlEE?si=TSmDKNmRXGDboeaP
Day 1 – Leadership and Courage
The program opened with warm greetings from Mr. Tomas Cadorna Banguis Jr., President of YMCA Makati, followed by inspiring remarks from Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY.
Mr. Nam, in his keynote session “Youth Transformation in Times of Uncertainty”, emphasized how individuals, especially young people, can make a positive impact despite the challenges they face. He also explored how youth leadership can evolve in response to society’s ever-changing needs, beginning with foundational questioning that moves from identifying the issue to envisioning meaningful solutions. He encouraged everyone to lead with courage and hope, most especially in times of difficulty.
Later in the day, Mr. Rovin Jhon B. Cincollagas, Chairperson of APAY YPLD Committee, talked about “Servant Leadership in Action: Communicating with Empathy and Impact.” He tackled the significance of one's values and attributes as a leader, and working with a diverse group of talents. He also inspired participants to become transformational leaders who help others grow, lead by example, empower their members, and serve with empathy to make a positive difference.
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Day 2 – Climate Actions and Design Thinking
Mr. Chan Beng Seng, APAY Coordinator of Climate Defenders Project, led the session on “Green Literacy” by introducing the Climate Glossary and explaining key environmental terms, the impact of people’s actions, and the urgency for efforts to combat them. He likewise discussed the importance of individual contributions in mitigating the worsening climate change and what the YMCA is doing and can do.
With the learning, participants moved into designing their own youth-led solution on climate action under Sustainable Planet pillar. Ms. Magda Gana, General Secretary of the YMCA Makati, and Ms. Yura Rhee, APAY Junior Executive Secretary, introduced “Design Thinking and Agenda Setting”, by walking through the participants in its five (5) stage process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test) and engaging them with activities, such as context mapping and development, storyboarding, and proposal development. Participants learned to think creatively and design solutions the community needed, transforming them into leaders who create solutions based on what people and the problem at hand really need.
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Day 3 – Learning from the Field
Participants visited the Rotary Club AI Academy, where Mr. Roger Collantes facilitated a hands-on session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical, responsible use for social good. Through engaging activities and discussions, youth explored the dynamics and potential of AI as a tool for making a meaningful impact. They gained valuable skills and insights that can help them become future-ready leaders.
To deepen their understanding of climate action and draw inspiration, participants visited the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST) Environment Center. There, Ms. Mae Ferrero delivered a lively and engaging talk on caring for our planet and protecting the environment. During the visit, participants witnessed practical sustainability efforts firsthand, including a water catchment facility, Biochar production, composting systems, plastic recycling initiatives, and the design of eco-friendly infrastructure.
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Day 4 – Final Presentations and Solidarity Night
On the final day, participants completed their climate action solutions and presented their prototype ideas. These creative projects reflected the insights and skills they gained throughout the week. Each group shared their concepts with facilitators and peers, receiving thoughtful feedback and words of encouragement. The session ended with a challenge to turn their proposals into reality.
The program ended with a joyful Farewell Dinner and Solidarity Night, where everyone wore colorful traditional clothes, sang, danced, and celebrated their new friendships and shared dreams for a better world.
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The success of the Youth Transformation Program reflects the shared commitment of APAY, the YPLD Committee, and YMCA movements across the region to nurture future leaders who embody courage, sustainability, and innovation in action. The warm hospitality of YMCA Makati and YMCA of the Philippines played a vital role in making this program a meaningful experience for all.
Reported by:
Documentation Team:
Ramis John, Pakistan.
Jayson Noga, Philippines.
San Win Aung (JAY), Myanmar.
Yura Rhee, APAY