21st YMCA World Council Brings Together More Than 1,300 Participants in Toronto
21st YMCA World Council Brings Together More Than 1,300 Participants in Toronto
The 21st YMCA World Council was held in Toronto, Canada, bringing together more than 1,300 participants from over 80 countries, along with 60 sponsors and partners. The gathering served as a significant milestone for the global YMCA movement, creating opportunities for fellowship, learning, governance, and collaboration.
World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee expressed gratitude to the YMCA movement worldwide, emphasizing that the success of the World Council was made possible through the commitment, engagement, and participation of local, national, area, and world YMCA leaders and volunteers. Delegates contributed to vibrant discussions, high-quality presentations, and meaningful exchanges throughout the event.
Opening and Closing Celebrations
The World Council opened and concluded with inspiring ceremonies that celebrated the diversity, unity, and shared mission of the global YMCA movement. Reports on the opening and closing events can be accessed through the following links:
Opening Ceremony: https://www.ymca.int/what-a-welcome-what-a-welcome-ceremony-toronto-and-canada-open-their-arms-to-the-global-ymca-movement/
Closing Day Highlights: https://www.ymca.int/world-council-comes-to-an-end-on-final-frenetic-day/
Key Decisions and Milestones
One of the major items on the business agenda was the election of new leadership for World YMCA. Delegates elected the President, Deputy President, Treasurer, and members of the World YMCA Executive Committee, providing renewed leadership for the movement in the years ahead.
A significant moment during the Council was the admission of YMCA Niger and YMCA Ukraine as Associate Members of World YMCA, further strengthening the global fellowship and extending support to emerging YMCA movements. More information is available at:
Celebrating Impact and Leadership
The World Council recognized outstanding contributions across the movement through the YMCA Impact Awards and the President's Award. The event also celebrated the graduation of the sixth cohort of YMCA Change Agents, recognizing young leaders who have completed a transformative leadership development journey.
YMCA Change Agents Graduation: https://www.ymca.int/the-6th-cohort-of-ymca-change-agents-graduates-change-is-what-we-create-together/
Learning, Dialogue, and Inspiration
Delegates participated in two days of discussions and learning through 45 sessions featuring more than 150 speakers. Conversations centered on the four Vision 2030 pillars: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World, exploring how YMCAs can respond collectively to global challenges.
Participants were inspired by keynote presentations from Dr. Marie Wilson of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, who shared powerful insights on reconciliation, leadership, purpose, and transformation.
Dr. Marie Wilson Address: https://www.ymca.int/dr-marie-wilson-leading-with-purpose-for-reconciliation-and-transformation/
Col. Chris Hadfield Keynote: https://www.ymca.int/canadian-astronaut-col-chris-hadfield-has-commanded-trips-to-space-leadership-lessons-learned/
Experiencing YMCA in Action
A total of 16 excursions enabled delegates to visit six YMCA locations in and around Toronto, providing first-hand exposure to innovative community programs and services addressing diverse local needs.
Excursion Highlights: https://www.ymca.int/the-worldwide-ymca-explores-how-ymcas-in-and-around-toronto-serve-diverse-community-needs/
Spiritual Reflection and Future Vision
Daily devotions provided a safe and sacred space for reflection, prayer, and spiritual connection among participants from diverse faith traditions and cultures.
World Council Devotions: https://www.ymca.int/world-council-devotions-a-safe-and-sacred-space-for-all/
The Council also featured the “Tomorrow Party,” an innovative experience that invited participants to imagine the future of the YMCA movement and the world over the coming years, reinforcing commitment to Vision 2030.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
More than 60 partners participated in the World Council, highlighting the YMCA's growing collaborations for social impact. A notable milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Action with Habitat for Humanity International, strengthening cooperation on shared global priorities.
Habitat for Humanity Partnership: https://www.ymca.int/habitat-for-humanity-international-and-world-ymca-sign-memorandum-of-agreement-for-global-collaboration/
The Council also advanced the next phase of the Generation Peace initiative with the participation of UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier. Collaborations with the Big Six youth organizations, Vision 2030 partners Accenture, Deloitte, EY, McKinsey Health Institute, and digital equity partner HP further demonstrated the YMCA's commitment to collective action and global impact.
Generation Peace Initiative: https://www.ymca.int/un-assistant-secretary-general-for-youth-affairs-felipe-paullier-addresses-21st-ymca-world-council-in-toronto/
The 21st YMCA World Council reaffirmed the strength of the global YMCA movement, bringing together diverse voices, celebrating achievements, electing new leadership, and strengthening partnerships toward a shared Vision 2030 and a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world.