APAY National General Secretaries Meeting Strengthens Regional Collaboration

APAY National General Secretaries Meeting 2025 Strengthens Regional Collaboration

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) held its National General Secretaries Meeting online on 18-19 September 2025, which brought together 33 leaders (APAY President, 2 APAY/World GS, 19 NGSs, 4 Proxis, 7 APAY staff) from 19 National/territorial Movements.

The meeting opened with a participatory worship and inspirational message from Very Rev. Philip Thomas, APAY President. Following the self-introduction, each National Movement presented their recent activities and programs highlighting their contributions to Vision 2030/QPP 2024~2027.

The second day centered on regional and global updates. APAY staff shared the updates on upcoming programs and initiatives including Advanced Studies Program, gender equity programs, Youth programs, Climate Defenders project as well as Interfaith Cooperation Forum. Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of World YMCA also shared the progress on preparations for the 2026 World Council which will be held in July 2026 in Toronto, Canada. The meeting concluded with announcements about the proposed changes in the World YMCA Constitution and the formation of Search Committee for new APAY GS.

This annual gathering served as a meaningful platform for sharing, mutual learning, and fellowship, collaboration among the NGSs, which will strengthen the collaboration of the NGS community towards advancing the contextual mission of the YMCAs in the region and beyond.

Prepared by Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary for Youth Employment