17 WC Observer th
Photo by Simon Williams
TUESDAY, JULY 20th, 2010
The Honourable Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, officially opens the 17th World Council of YMCAs at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Welcome to the 17th World Council of YMCAs By Rebecca Morton Doherty, World Alliance of YMCAs The 17th World Council of YMCAs was officially opened last night at a spectacular ceremony in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Infused with magnificent cultural performances, this memorable event brought together over 1,000 YMCA representatives from around the world. This week, World Council delegates will be reflecting on the work of the YMCA over the last four years and mapping out priorities for the next quadrennium under the theme of “Striving for Global Citizenship for all”. Through a combination or workshops, dialogues, keynote presentations and informal meetings, they will share the challenges, achievements, and good practices of their respective Movements. During the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Bartholomew Shaha and Mr. Martin Meiβner, Secretary General and President of the World Alliance of YMCAs, Mr Yau Chung-Wan, Chair of the World Council Host Steering Committee, and Dr. Jai-Chang Park, President of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs welcomed participants to the “vibrant” city of Hong Kong, “Asia’s World City” for the 17th World Council of YMCAs. In his address to World Council delegates, Mr. Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR recalled that “promoting global citizenship if part of Hong Kong’s aspiration of living up to being a truly global city. Nurturing global citizenship means providing a welcoming and caring society where personal freedoms are protected, as well as encouraging citizens to be re-
sponsible for one another and the environment we all share. Hosting the World Council of YMCAs in Hong Kong is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the YMCA and the contributions it makes at a global level.” Speaking about the YMCA’s work with young people and communities worldwide, Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, keynote speaker at the ceremony, said, “it is the indispensable work of civil society organizations like the YMCA that truly make the Millennium Development Goals possible.” The opening ceremony also included a powerful message from the 400 youth delegates participating in the YMCA International Youth Forum, read by Chair of the World Alliance Youth Committee, Ms. Cristina Miranda. She concluded by saying that “now is the time to act…youth are not just the work of the YMCA, youth are the heart and soul of the YMCA”.
Did you know... There are
1,134 participants, from 85 National Movements.
Photo by Simon Williams Participants discuss the challenge of “change” in a Youth Workshop
Challenging Change: Striving for Global Citizenship By Timotheus Kamaboakai, YMCA Liberia From 17-19 July, about 400 young people from nearly 90 countries around the world gathered in Hong Kong for the YMCA International Youth Forum (IYF) as part of the 17th World Council of YMCAs. The forum, which was held under the theme: ‘striving for global citizenship,’ served as a platform for the discussion of key issues relating to the Millenium Development Goals and how young people around the world are responding to the global challenges we face today. Serving as keynote speaker was the President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Status with the UN (CONGO), Mr. Liberato Bautista, who encouraged the young people to adopt a ‘nothing about us, without us’ approach to advocate for youth participation in decision-making at the highest levels especially on issues that contribute to a more just world – one that focuses on global citizenship, justice and peace. The President of CONGO noted that the spread of inequality has confined people to poverty unless they are productive, defied the market and commoditized the earth and its resources in the interest of profit and capital. This, he indicated, must be challenged so that a global community can be developed.
Youth and the MDGs With 5 years to go before the deadline for the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals, young people at the IYF stressed the importance of an institutional focus and commitment in realizing the MDGs in relation to Challenge 21 of the YMCA. Recapping some of the difficulties that are associated with the MDGs in their countries, young people noted that there are growing concerns that the MDGs will not be met before the deadline, calling for the world movement to scale up efforts, especially in universal primary education, eradicating poverty and hunger, ensuring environmental sustainability and gender.
Youth on the Frontlines The immense contributions of young people in their communities was also highlighted at the IYF through workshops and panel discussions, indicating the actions of young people at their local levels that are making a global impact. Youth leaders working in various areas of the MDG had the platform to share the amazing work done in their countries/regions and offer
their perspectives to the world Movement on a wide range of issues. “I have been privileged to have a platform at the YMCA in India to effectively advocate for young people’s involvement in HIV programming. Youth involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policy, programmes, service provision, education, and outreach leads to improved programme outcomes and relevance. I wish to stress that young people’s involvement is required, not only on the issue of HIV issue, but for all issues affecting young people,” Peter Borges noted. These sessions also provided a unique opportunity for young people to share lessons learnt in the various contexts they work in and gain insights into the work of the YMCA in different parts of the world. “This was a wonderful learning experience for me, just sharing the work of different YMCAs has enriched my understanding of the Movement and the millions of youth we serve in our communities. What is more important is the passion of the young people that are leading change in their local communities – we all are global citizens,” said a young female delegate from Africa.
A United Voice to Our Movement In a brief presentation to the formal opening of the World Council, the IYF called for a committed and consolidated effort to enhance results within the framework of the MDGs and Challenge 21. The statement also calls for an increased commitment of the world Movement on the involvement, participation and leadership of young people. “The YMCA is not an organisation that works for young people, it is an organization of young people. There should be nothing about us, without us,” the statement concluded.
Looking Forward The International Youth Forum was a truly enriching experience for the young participants, who are enthusiastic about leading change in the world. Young people represent the hope and aspiration of a generation that is poised to overcome the barriers set by generational, cultural, geographical, racial and religious divides, reflecting the motto of the YMCA: ‘That they all may be one.’ With an increased understanding of global citizenship and the MDGs as well as its milestones and setbacks, young people are committed to building partnerships and linkages that would strengthen their calls for concrete actions that would transform our world. “It’s time to walk the talk.”
International Youth Forum 2010 By Gil Harper, Africa Alliance of YMCAs
Echoing Suwito, Chemphe, from Ghana, who performs “Urban Life music,” a blend of rhythm and blues with local African beat said, “I hope to see young people really empowered, really able to be held or accepted as citizens, and be part of everything that the country or the continent is about. The whole focus of the song is to empower the youth.” Chemphe garnered the title of “Lyricist of the year” in Ghana’s 2008 Music Awards.
On Sunday 18 July over 400 young people from YMCAs around the world, gathered in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, for “Tribute to Gaia: A Concert on the Environment” to celebrate Mother Earth with the power of music. The concert, part of the YMCA International Youth Forum, included dynamic and inspiring performances from Hong Kong, Thailand, Ghana, Trinidad and Malaysia. “Sustainable development has always been one of my priorities as a pop artist and a social activist. Performing here is a great privilege and opportunity to inspire youths from all parts of the world to make this a way of life.” said Juwita Suwito, acclaimed Malaysian singersongwriter, whose album Brand New World was selected as the best local English album by the Malaysian music industry.
Chemphe recently teamed up with African YMCA youth to produce a song called Subject to Citizen, about youth empowerment in Africa. During the day preceding the concert, Chemphe produced a revised version of this song especially for the concert, with a focus on the environment and global citizenship. He was joined on stage for the performance of this song, by 40 YMCA youth from 15 countries. “It was amazing- I think that music connects all people, and it is like a global voice. Music is the best form of communication.” said Mirza Cruz, from Mexico City, participant of Chemphe’s workshop. With songs and music, the performers and YMCA youth expressed a common concern for global issues, especially with regard to environmental protection.
YMCA World Council “Goes Green”
Be a Carbon Neutral Participant at the 17th World Council of YMCAs! By Jose Varghese, Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs
The social and economic impact of global warming has increased poverty, threatened food security, and destroyed the livelihoods of millions of people. It is creating growing numbers of environmental refugees, increased migration flows and further increased the vulnerability of women, children and young people, as well as the elderly. A carbon footprint is the total amount of Greenhouse Gases emitted by a person, organisation, product or event, and is measured in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Tackling climate change is an effort that requires unified action from individuals and individual organisations. The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs’ Green Team estimate that each World Council participant will emit an average of 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. Although efforts are being made across the Wu Kwai Youth Village to reduce the “carbon footprint” of our World Council Meeting, with recycling points, paper cups etc. our air travel, use of electricity, air conditioning, paper and other materials over the next few days will undoubtedly have an impact on the environment.
What can you do? YOU CAN PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE NOW ! 1. Switch off air conditioner and lights when you leave the room. 2. Make sure that windows are closed in your room 3. Avoid wastage of food 4. Minimize the use of paper and use recycle bins 5. Use Public Transport wherever possible. 6. Offset your carbon emissions with APAY Programme 7. Commit to form a Green Team at your YMCA All participants received information in their conference bags about the APAY Carbon Offset Programme to support treeplanting and renewable energy projects. Please contact Jose Vargese (Jose@asiapacificymca.org) at the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs for more information.
Today’s Highlights
TUESDAY, JULY 20th, 2010
- Keynote Address and dialogue on the Theme of Global Citizenship with Dr. Park Seong-Won, 14:30 - 16:00 ( Plenary Hall) Dr. Park has a Master of Divinity (1980) and Master of Theology (1982). In 1987, he obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Theological Seminary of San Francisco, USA, and in 1999 was awarded a Doctor of Theology from the University of Bern, Switzerland. Dr. Park Seong-Won has organised ecumenical consultations all over the world, and spoken at 32 ecumenical conferences. He has also published nine books and several articles in English and Korean. - Celebrating the Global YMCA Story , 16:30 - 18:00 (Plenary Hall) At this interactive and motivational session, World Council delegates will listen and learn about the social impact and transformational experiences the YMCA makes, and will witness the results of the YMCA mission in action. - Opening of the Global Village, 20:00 (Outside Cafeteria), followed by Party in the Multi-purpose Hall The concept of a YMCA Global Village is one where we celebrate belonging to a worldwide Movement, value each other’s work, and where we demonstrate through our publications, photos, posters, and other means the impact that we make at various levels, from the personal, to the local, national, regional and global.
Opening Ceremony Photos