Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs Executive Committee Meeting
Last Updated (Tuesday, 05 May 2026 03:57)
Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs Executive Committee Meeting
Theme: Rooted in Faith-Working for Peace with Justice
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Jeju, South Korea | 17-19 April 2026
COMMUNIQUÉ
The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) held its annual Executive Committee Meeting (ECM) from 17 to 19 April 2026 at the Jeju Office in South Korea, marking the second time the Jeju Office has served as host venue. Sixty-seven (67) registered delegates and representatives from twenty (20) national movements across the Asia-Pacific region attended the meeting in person. Members from three countries also participated online.
Attending as partners and observers were Ms. Soheila Hayek, President of the World Alliance of YMCAs, and Mr. Tadashi Tanoune, President of the Asia Pacific Area of Y’s Men International (YMI).
Convening of the Meeting
In the absence of the President, Very Rev. Philip Thomas, the ECM was jointly chaired by the three Vice Presidents: Ms. Amelia Shaw, Dr. Ramona Morales, and Mr. Vincent George. The meeting was called to order with Mr. Nam Boo-Won, General Secretary of APAY, providing secretariat support. Mr. Rovin Jhon B Cincollagas, Chair of the Youth Participation and Leadership Development (YPLD) Committee, was appointed as Recording Secretary.
In their greetings to the ECM, Ms. Soheila Hayek encouraged the YMCAs to continue working as a family. Mr. Tadashi Tanoune recalled the long-standing relationship between YMI clubs and YMCAs, and reaffirmed YMI Strategy 22’s commitment to partnering with and supporting the work and programs of the YMCA. Former APAY General Secretary Dr. Bart Shaha also conveyed his greetings, which were read on his behalf by Ms. Cathy Chan from the YMCA of Hong Kong.
Biblical and Theological Reflections
As a faith-based social movement, Christian Foundation overarches all of APAY’s work and programs. The ECM began each day with meaningful and participatory worship, followed by Biblical and Theological Reflections (BTR) that set the tone for discussions and deliberations.
The first reflection, on Contextual Mission Review, was shared by Rev. Dr. Toshimasa Yamamoto, Treasurer of APAY, who recounted his faith journey and his involvement with the YMCA. He reflected on living the Christian faith through simple acts of service, drawing on Matthew 25 - that what we do for the least among us, we do for Christ. He observed that in today’s world, we may love ourselves too much to truly love God, and called on YMCAs to learn from the example of St. Mother Teresa - knowing and loving God through serving those in need. He reminded us that all YMCAs are called to transform the world through the renewal of our minds.
Worship and Biblical reflection on the second day were led by the youth delegates. UNITY is the core message of John 17:21. Ms Cho Ye Eun, President of the UniY in Korea, reflected on the meaning of UNI YMCA for their youth and students: Unity, Network, Impact, Youth, Movement, Connect, and Action. She further elaborated on the UNI Y's actions, focusing on protecting the creation by initiating sustainability activities within their student movement. Amidst the ever-evolving conflicts in the world, the UNI-Y also focuses on peace and is planning a peace pilgrimage.
In the closing devotion, Rev. Samuel Stephens challenged the YMCAs with his reflection on 2 Peter 3:13 that emphasized that peace founded on justice is a natural fruit of faithful Christian living. YMCA leaders are called to express peace practically through acts of justice, forgiveness, compassion, and community engagement, becoming active peacemakers in society. He challenged the YMCA to live responsibly and faithfully in the present, as a testimony to the coming kingdom of God.
General Secretary’s Report and Committee Reports
The General Secretary, Mr. Nam Boo-Won, presented the 2025 Annual Report, organized around the five major program areas formulated at the Leaders’ Quadrennial Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December 2023: Community Wellbeing, Youth Empowerment and Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, Just World, and Movement Strengthening. Christian Foundation remains the bedrock and cross-cutting focus undergirding each of the five program areas.
Reports from the Standing Committees and Task Groups further highlighted the work and programs completed over the past year, presented as follows:
Committee on Mission and Response - Ms. Sunita Suna (on behalf of Rev. Shin Dae-Kyun, Chair)
Committee on Youth Participation and Leadership Development - Mr. Rovin Cincollagas, Chair
Committee on Gender Equity - Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, Chair
Task Group on Sustainable Planet – Ms. Magda Gana and Ms. Patcharin Aviphan
ICF Program Committee - Mr. Dunhill Angelo G. Maraya, member
Committee on Movement Strengthening - Dra. Ramona Morales, Chair
Committee on Governance - Ms. Amelia Shaw, Chair
Committee on Finance and Administration - Rev. Dr. Toshimasa Yamamoto, Chair
Task Force on Fair Share Review - Rev. Dr. Toshimasa Yamamoto, Chair
Although the external funding for the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF), a long-standing project of APAY for justice and peace, will end, the Executive Committee recognized its important work in conflict transformation. It is hoped that this important work of conflict transformation will continue in the national and local YMCAs.
Along with the reports, the ECM also adopted the Cost Sharing Policy and the Policy and Procedure on Sexual Harassment.
Adoption of the APAY Policy and Procedure on Sexual Harassment
The Executive Committee adopted the APAY Policy and Procedure on Sexual Harassment, a landmark step in formalizing APAY’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces across all its workplaces, programs, trainings, meetings, and events. The policy affirms that sexual harassment, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, and violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Guided by principles of zero tolerance, survivor-centered response, confidentiality, accountability, and jurisdictional sensitivity, the policy applies to all APAY staff, volunteers, board members, program participants, and member association representatives, including in online and virtual spaces.
Together with the policy, the ECM approved the establishment of a seven-member Disciplinary (Internal Complaint) Committee at the APAY level, comprising representatives from the Gender Equity Committee, YPLD, the APAY Board, legal expertise, civil society with experience in sexual harassment issues, and pastoral or counseling experience.
The ECM also resolved that all national movements and local YMCAs that have not yet established their own policy must develop a Policy and Procedure on Sexual Harassment and register it with APAY, using the APAY policy as a guiding framework while tailoring provisions to their respective national contexts, laws, and cultures.
Special Session with the World Alliance of YMCAs
In a special sharing session with Ms. Soheila Hayek, President of the World Alliance of YMCAs, Soheila updated the EC on the latest developments at the World YMCA and the World Council that will take place in Toronto in July 2026.
Work on the Christian Identity will be reported at the World Council in Toronto. It has been an intense conversation for 3 years, seeking to find an acceptable expression that defends the Christian basis of the movement and some who have difficulties being identified as a religious organisation.
Soheila also provided an update on the current situation in West Asia and the work of the World YMCA. She thanked the national movements for their concern and appealed for their continued support.
APAY Hong Kong Office Matters
Rev. Samuel Stephens, Chair of the Task Group on Hong Kong Office Matters, reported that APAY could expect an amicable and reconciliatory conclusion at the forthcoming mediation process. Despite the complexities of the misunderstanding between the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong and APAY, the Executive Committee remains hopeful that a resolution that recognizes the original intent and historical agreements between the parties will be achieved.
22nd General Assembly
The Executive Committee confirmed that the 22nd General Assembly of the APAY, the Youth Assembly, and the Gender Equity Forum will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 22-30 September 2027. Ms. Chularat Pongtudsirikul thanked the Executive Committee for their confidence in and selection of Chiang Mai YMCA to host the 22nd General Assembly. Besides a well-connected international airport, Chiang Mai has excellent meeting and conference facilities. Chiang Mai will also provide a lot of historical and cultural experiences to participants and their families. Chiang Mai YMCA also offered to facilitate pre- and post-assembly activities for participants and families. Mr. Babu Markus Gomes was elected as Chairperson of the Assembly Planning Committee. It was also proposed that the committee will include the Chairs of the Youth Participation and Leadership Development (YPLD) and Gender Equity Committee.
It was also announced that the Asia Mission Conference will be organised prior to the General Assembly in Chiang Mai.
2026 Program Calendar and Personnel Matters
The Executive Committee adopted the Yearly Program Calendar for 2026 as presented by the General Secretary. All the programmes were planned in alignment with the YMCA Vision 2030. Some of them will take place online and in a hybrid format.
The Executive Committee approved the three-year term extension for the Executive Secretary for Programs and the Executive Secretary for Youth Empowerment.
Election of the APAY’s New General Secretary
Concluding a thorough search and selection process, the Executive Committee approved a leadership transition framework and elected Mr. Chan Beng Seng as the next General Secretary of the APAY. Beng Seng will serve a two-year term from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2028. The Executive Committee also endorsed the current General Secretary to serve as a part-time advisor for 1year beginning from 1 September 2026.
Parallel Meetings
Meeting alongside the Executive Committee were 30 members of the APAY Honours Society and the 15 members of the YMCA Retirees Associations of Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. The APAY Honours Society was initiated as a community dedicated to financially supporting the work and programs of APAY, with membership open to both individuals and movements.
Conclusion
The 2026 Executive Committee Meeting concluded with a strong sense of unity, accountability, and renewed commitment to APAY’s shared mission. Rooted in a Christian foundation and strengthened by collective leadership, the Executive Committee affirmed its dedication to safe, inclusive spaces, responsible governance, and impactful regional collaboration. As the Alliance prepares for a leadership transition and looks ahead to the 22nd General Assembly in Chiang Mai in 2027, APAY remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a just, sustainable, and youth-driven YMCA movement across the Asia-Pacific region.
Adopted by the Executive Committee Meeting of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs
Jeju, South Korea | 19 April 2026
