International Relations
​
The Bombay YMCA's network is spread far and wide beyond the borders with our fellow YMCAs across the globe. This togetherness has led into various ventures and improved international relations between the governing authorities too.
Stuttgart YMCA, Germany​
Stuttgart from 25th to 30th May as part of an exchange programme. Over 5 days they visited and met many YMCA and Church leaders and also the officers from the Mayor’s office. The Deputy Mayor gave a warm welcome and the discussions explored many opportunities for youth exchange and networking. The team also met with the Chief of Economic, Research and cultural officer of Stuttgart city. Networking with church leaders was also very meaningful and interesting as the Stuttgart YMCA practice Christ-centred values such as Love, Care, Unity and Respect. It was inspiring to see so many youths involved in the YMCA work as volunteers in all the YMCA programmes.
175 Years Celebration, London, England
The YMCA London organized a grand programme to commemorate the historic occasion of completing 175 years globally. On 4th August, more than 3,000 YMCA young people, staff, guests and volunteers from 100 countries gathered just down the River Thames at ExCeL London to kick off its flagship anniversary celebration, YMCA 175. This event was held from 4th to 7th August 2019. The opening ceremony got off to a rousing start as the United Nations General-Secretary’s Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, served as keynote. “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but you are also the leaders of today,” she said. YMCA 175 wasjam-packed with impactful keynotes, workshops and panels. “Empowerment is not given, it is taken” – on this last day of YMCA 175, speakers and panellists wanted to make sure delegates returned home with the will and the power to act. John Loughton opened the plenary session talking about modern activism.YMCA 175 offered a closing ceremony at the image of its participants: colourful, joyful, diverse and young.
World Urban Network, Hong Kong
The World Urban Network is comprised of YMCA leaders from cities around the world who are committed to advancing the Y’s mission, leadership development, and international collegiality. A three-day workshop was conducted alongside with YMCA 175 celebration during the same period. Mr. Paul George, General Secretary, was elected as the Executive member of the WUN.
175 Years Celebration, London, England
The YMCA London organized a grand programme to commemorate the historic occasion of completing 175 years globally. On 4th August, more than 3,000 YMCA young people, staff, guests and volunteers from 100 countries gathered just down the River Thames at ExCeL London to kick off its flagship anniversary celebration, YMCA 175. This event was held from 4th to 7th August 2019. The opening ceremony got off to a rousing start as the United Nations General-Secretary’s Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, served as keynote. “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but you are also the leaders of today,” she said. YMCA 175 wasjam-packed with impactful keynotes, workshops and panels. “Empowerment is not given, it is taken” – on this last day of YMCA 175, speakers and panellists wanted to make sure delegates returned home with the will and the power to act. John Loughton opened the plenary session talking about modern activism.YMCA 175 offered a closing ceremony at the image of its participants: colourful, joyful, diverse and young.
41st Hiroshima YMCA International Youth Peace Seminar
The Seminar was held from 4th to 6th August at Hiroshima, Japan. This programme was part of their Peace-building effort in supporting absolute abolishment of nuclear weapons after their experience of the atomic bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The seminar included workshops, presentations and testimonies of bomb survivors. The participants were enriched with a deeper understanding of world issues and spoke about what they could do as a youth to be engaged in building peace. A total of 70 youth participated from South Korea, Taiwan, India and Japan.
