1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly

Last Updated (Wednesday, 02 October 2024 11:07)

The 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly took place in Jeju, Korea, from September 4 to 8, 2024, and was a significant gathering that united 60 participants from 12 countries: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Among these participants, seven were representatives from ecumenical organizations, including the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), the World Student Christian Federation – Asia Pacific (WSCF-AP), and the World Council of Churches/United Church of Christ in the Philippines (WCC/UCCP). The assembly was collaboratively organized by the NCY-Korea and Korea Uni-Y, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering youth engagement across the region.

The assembly spanned five days, commencing with an inspiring keynote address by Rev. Bae Hyun Joo. Her speech resonated deeply with the participants, urging them to take action on pressing issues related to climate change and peace, all while embracing their ecumenical Christian identity. This theme of active engagement was further explored in workshops where participants from various countries shared their local experiences regarding climate and peace challenges. These discussions led to collaborative brainstorming on innovative solutions aimed at achieving transformation.

During the exposure visit to the Jeju April 3rd Peace Memorial, participants confronted the historical pain and suffering caused by conflict, which reinforced their understanding of the importance of maintaining peace in their own societies. This experience deepened their commitment to advocacy for peace, underscoring the idea that history must inform present actions.

Participants actively demonstrated their commitment to climate justice by taking part in the Action4Climate March. They created their own picket signs, which symbolized their unified voice calling for urgent action on climate issues. This hands-on engagement not only highlighted their solidarity but also empowered them to take their advocacy beyond the assembly.

At the conclusion of the assembly, the participants collectively formulated a resolution that emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration. They pledged to establish a network that would facilitate continuous communication and cooperative action focused on climate justice and peace initiatives. This commitment signifies a hopeful and proactive step toward creating a sustainable and just future, grounded in the values they cherish as Christian youth.

By Yura Rhee, Secretary for Youth Empowerment and Admin, Asia Pacific YMCA