YOUTH DELEGATES MEET IN HONG KONG TO STRATEGISE FOR GLOBAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The 17th World Council of YMCAs kick-started yesterday 20 July 2010, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre with an opening ceremony attended by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China,
Donald Tsang, as well as almost 1200 YMCA delegates from 85 countries.
The worldwide YMCA movement is gathering in Hong Kong this week to discuss and map out its future for the next four years, with respect to its role in social development and in addressing global issues ranging from poverty and hunger, youth advocacy and gender equity to climate change and environmental protection.
"With a high level of awareness and compassion for global issues, young people are in the best position to become leaders of global citizens," said Dr. Shaha, Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs. "I encourage all young people now gathering in Hong Kong for the 17th World Council of YMCAs and YMCA International Youth Forum to gain a better understanding of poverty and its links to hunger, HIV/AIDS, climate change and other social issues through various activities and workshops, and be inspired to take action for a more just and sustainable world."
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Tsang welcomed those gathered. "We are delighted that so many young people from around the world together with renowned international leaders are in Hong Kong for this World Council meeting," said Mr. Tsang. "It is a great opportunity for Hong Kong people to learn more about the YMCA and its
considerable contributions to the international community. It is also a chance for you to get to know and enjoy our city and see how we can contribute to promoting "Global Citizenship for All". The keynote speaker for the day was Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships.
According to Mr. Dossal, youth led agencies are crucial in working towards the goals set out by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) especially during an era of high technological development, "We need to redouble our collective efforts to ensure that the Millennium Development Goals become a reality. This requires commitments by
governments to enact appropriate policies and projects. However, governments cannot do it on their own. It is the indispensable work of organizations like the YMCA that truly make the MDGs possible. Especially in the digital age, youth movements are among the most dynamic actors in creating positive change."
Cristina Miranda, Chair of World Alliance of YMCAs Youth Committee commented that key issues that the YMCA youth are going to focus on are poverty, education, gender and sustainable environment. "To address these issues, the youth of the YMCA are going to focus on youth leadership development and training as an imperative for
empowering communities in which we work."
Also speaking at the ceremony were Mr. Martin Meiβner, President of the World Alliance of YMCAs and Mr. Yau Chung-wan, Chair of the Host Steering Committee of 17th World Council of YMCAs.
Throughout the week, participating youth representatives will convene and discuss issues related to the theme of "Striving for a Global Citizenship for All", ranging from intergenerational barriers and social media to climate change and disaster relief.
You all know the cool, keeping-it-real Chemphe with the smooth voice and energetic stage presence. But I have discovered the king of Urban Life has some hidden talents.
The system of male domination is no new thing in our world today, but the danger is that we as young men do not question it as we are born and socialised into it without being exposed to a masculinity option that does not dominate or harm.
(21 July 2010, Hong Kong) This morning, 100 YMCA leaders were presented with a “million dollar investment opportunity”; the chance to invest in the future of the global YMCA movement and change the lives of thousands more young people around the world.
The 17th World Council of YMCAs kick-started yesterday 20 July 2010, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre with an opening ceremony attended by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China,
Donald Tsang, as well as almost 1200 YMCA delegates from 85 countries.
We are youth with a dream, was the powerful song delivered with electric energy by popular Ghanaian musician, Chemphe, and 40 YMCA youth from 15 different countries at the Tribute to Gaia public concert in Hong Kong yesterday.
The vision of the African YMCAs to empower the youth for the African renaissance has been given a boost with the signing of a preliminary agreement between the Fuhrlaender Company of Germany, Ghana YMCA, CVJM and the African Alliance of YMCAs to establish a hi-tech training centre in Accra with sub-centres in Takoradi and Apedwa all in Ghana.
Furlander an organisation that is based in Germany and deals in wind mill and nuclear energy on Friday signed a €2.5 million training agreement with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Ghana to help train its student and create jobs for the youth.
The 17th World Council of YMCAs kick-started yesterday 20 July 2010, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre with an opening ceremony attended by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China,
