World YMCA

03/09/2026

“The Big 6” - the world’s largest youth empowerment organisations - unite under one banner, but we very rarely congregate under one roof. But we did today … ON the roof on the terrace garden of the World YMCA headquarters in Geneva, in fact.

‘Thanks to all for brilliant discussions on how best we coordinate - amongst ourselves and in the Global Youth Mobilization supported by the EU Youth Empowement Fund. United we stand!’ said World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
World YWCA
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
World Scouting

31/08/2026

Youth Changemaker Leadership programme – YMCA Of Simcoe Muskoka, Canada

Young people have the potential to drive meaningful change in their communities but lack access to opportunities that can help them develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose.

Recognizing this gap, YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka sought to create a space where young people could explore their strengths and discover how they can contribute to a better future.

The Changemaker Leadership Programme, launched in 2025, is an immersive youth leadership experience designed to equip participants with the skills and mindset needed to become active changemakers.

Through five-day camps, young people engage in design thinking challenges, explore the YMCA Vision 2030 pillars, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and develop innovative solutions to issues affecting their communities. The programme emphasizes resilience, collaboration, empathy, and civic responsibility while ensuring accessibility through scholarship opportunities.

243 young people and staff have participated in this program, with every person identifying their own unique pathway to creating positive change.

29/08/2026

Standing with Nepal and China 🇳🇵🇨🇳

Our thoughts are with the communities affected by the devastating flash floods along the Nepal–China border.

On 26 August, a glacier collapse triggered a massive flow of water, ice, rock and debris, devastating communities across the Himalayan region. Hundreds of people have lost their lives, thousands remain missing, and homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure have been destroyed. Rescue and relief operations are continuing under extremely difficult conditions.

The scale of this disaster is still unfolding, and many communities remain cut off from assistance.

The global YMCA Movement stands in solidarity with everyone affected — particularly the families who have lost loved ones, those still waiting for news of missing family members, and the communities facing the long road to recovery.

We send our deepest condolences and our solidarity to the people of Nepal, Tibet and the wider region.


National Council Of YMCA Nepal
Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong 香港中華基督教青年會

27/08/2026

Standing with Colombia 🇨🇴

On 10 August, a powerful earthquake struck Colombia, leaving communities across the country facing loss, damage and a long road to recovery.

Within the YMCA community, all staff and volunteers are safe. However, one local YMCA has lost its facilities, while another has suffered severe damage.

YMCA Colombia is already responding — providing psychosocial support to staff, volunteers and affected families, while preparing longer-term recovery efforts to rebuild communities and restore safe spaces for young people and families.

Now, Colombia needs the solidarity of the YMCA Movement.

You can support YMCA Colombia’s emergency response and recovery efforts by making a contribution through our Give page.

👉 Support the YMCA Colombia earthquake response: https://www.ymca.int/give/urgent-appeal-support-ymca-colombias-humanitarian-mission/

Every contribution can help communities recover, rebuild and create safe spaces for young people and families.
YMCA Colombia

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

19/08/2026

For 125 years, YMCA of Hong Kong 香港中華基督教青年會 (CYMCA) has been growing alongside and serving the Hong Kong community.

Recently, CYMCA officially kicked off its “YMCA 125th Anniversary Opening Ceremony cm Hoops with You Carnival”, marking the start of a year-long celebration filled with meaningful community engagement and memorable experiences! 🎊

Government officials and Legislative Council members graced the opening ceremony. Meanwhile, the multi-day carnival brought together families and friends through energetic dance performances, freestyle basketball showcases, karate demonstrations, and a range of basketball-themed interactive activities. The enthusiastic support and participation of everyone who joined made this milestone even more meaningful for CYMCA.

🎥 Watch the highlights and relive the excitement! As we look to the future, CYMCA remains committed to connecting communities, strengthening bonds, and creating lasting memories for generations to come.

Celebrating 125 years of impact, and looking ahead to many more years of serving our community.

This year marks a significant milestone as the Chinese YMCA of Hong...

11/08/2026

ONE QUESTION. ONE WORLD. 🌍

This 12th August as we celebrate, International Youth Day, we're asking young people everywhere the same question:

What future are you building?

Step 1: Film your answer. Just you, your phone, and your answer.

Step 2: Make sure your camera is vertical, not sideways.

Step 3: Keep it short. Five to ten seconds is perfect. One person, one answer.

Step 4: Post it and tag World YMCA in your video

Different places. Different journeys. Same generation shaping what comes next.

We can’t wait to hear from you!!!

11/08/2026

Organised by YMCA of Hong Kong 香港中華基督教青年會‘s University & College YMCA Department (), the YMCA 125th Anniversary x Playground Builder Project 10th Anniversary presents: “Building Joy in Every Step - Children’s Right to Play Initiative” Handmade Playground, which was successfully held on July 5, and attracted over 3,000 parents and children.

Aligned with the YMCA Vision 2030 - “Community Wellbeing” pillar, the event advocated for children's mental health and their right to play under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), by encouraging active play and meaningful interaction over excessive screen time.

This unique playground was created by over 100 Uni-Y youth volunteers representing 8 local tertiary institutions, together with 10 families from Chinese Y.M.C.A. Primary School. They crafted, renovated and painted 6 unique installations, including a wooden track car, a roller slide, tyre see-saws, a wooden bridge, a climbing frame and a vertical maze. It was heartwarming to see kids put aside their screens and embrace active, joyful and stress-relieving play 📱❌! The event also featured STEM-themed booth games and exhibitions designed by the youth volunteers.

Since 2006, the Playground Builder Project has mobilised hundreds of youth volunteers to build 8 therapeutic playgrounds across 6 developing countries 🌍 and organise "Handmade Playgrounds" in HK to advocate children's right to play! CYMCA will continue to uphold its motto, “To serve, not to be served,” empowering young people to promote equal play opportunities both locally and overseas, give back to society, and support children’s holistic development and wellbeing.

11/08/2026

🌎 Building stronger, more sustainable YMCAs starts with investing in our people.

From August 24–27, YMCA leaders and fundraising professionals from across Latin America and the Caribbean will come together for the 4th edition of NAYDO Academy — an inspirational learning experience designed to strengthen philanthropy and fundraising across our movement.

💡 Learn from what’s already working.
🤝 Connect with YMCA leaders across the region.
📈 Strengthen your fundraising and philanthropy journey.
🌱 Explore how sustainable financial impact can become a reality for your YMCA.

This is your space to learn, connect and grow.

📅 August 24–27
⏰ Registration deadline: August 20

👉 Learn more and register: https://eventos.ymcalac.org/en/


YMCA Latinoamérica y Caribe

Your YMCA is already making a difference. Now it's time to spark that mission further and multiply its impact. At NAYDO Academy 2026, you'll connect with fundraising experts and regional leaders who will show you that transformational philanthropy is possible, and it's already happening across Latin...

30/07/2026

Across the world, digital equity is taking shape in classrooms, community centres and YMCA Digital Hubs where people are gaining the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Through the HP–World YMCA Accelerating Digital Equity (ADE) partnership, nearly 296,000 people were reached across 641 Digital Hubs in 29 countries during Q2 2026. Behind every number is a story of learning, innovation and communities creating brighter futures through technology.

Our latest feature explores how local action is driving global impact—and why digital equity is about so much more than access to technology.

🔗 Read the full article: https://www.ymca.int/accelerating-digital-equity-building-digital-futures-one-community-at-a-time/

A heartfelt thank you to HP for its continued partnership and shared commitment to expanding digital opportunity worldwide, and to every YMCA, staff member, volunteer and community making this impact possible.

24/07/2026

The 21st YMCA World Council came to a spectacular and moving end in Toronto today. The Fire of Friendship, a historic YMCA symbol that was first lit and passed between members at the YMCA World Conference in Helsinki, Finland in 1926, was officially passed from one generation to another.

The Eagleheart Singers, a traditional powwow group, drummed delegates to their homeward journeys with a traditional travelling song.

In the closing ceremony, the President-Elect and Secretary-General of the World Alliance of YMCAs, gave addresses to a packed house of 1300 people.

“If we do not evolve, we will not endure. As we change, we must be grounded in where we came from and the timeless values that shaped our Movement. In faith, in hope, in love. We are not being asked to abandon who we are. We are being asked to become the fullest expression of it,” said Chris Lewis, President-Elect, World YMCA.

“We are right to be proud that, 182 years in, we are still a Movement that responds in the moment and advocates hard for lasting change. We want young people to trust us with their future. We want to be the organisation people turn to first on youth empowerment,” said Carlos Sanvee, Secretary-General, World YMCA.

Thank you. Merci. Gracias.
Baamaapii.