34 participants from 26 different countries and YMCAs gathered in Rome, Italy (November 23-25, 2015) at YMCA Europe´s 4th National General Secretaries Forum.
The Forum has become a key strategic working platform for YMCA Europe and the number of participants continue increasing every year. European NGS´s met in Brussels (2012), Paris (2013), London (2014) and this year in Rome hosted by YMCA Italy. Like in previous years, YMCA Canada provided an outstanding support to the meeting.
Sessions about the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, representation in Brussels and Movement Strengthening were some of the important sessions that included plenary presentations and group work. One of the highlights was also the input about Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants presented by Valeria Carlini from the Italian Council on Refugees, an institution that cooperates with the UN in this field. Juan Simoes Iglesias and Ed Eggink, updated the participants on the recent developments within YMCA Europe, the strategic process and governance issues. Ian Green represented WAY and shared about OUR WAY initiatives that are presently being implemented.
Special gratitude to Paola Petracchi, Secretary General of YMCA Italy and President Dino Curcuruto for their work and hospitality. An “Italian evening” and a visit to The Vatican were organized in coordination with our Italian hosts.
A report about the meeting and the follow up on discussions and agreements will be the next steps with an emphasis on the strategic planning process.
A meeting of YMCA Europe´s Research Team (YERT) took place after the Forum and included a visit to YMCA Italy.
Next year the 5th Forum will take place in Portugal under the invitation of that National Movement.
Thank you for your participation and your excellent contributions to our Movement Strengthening approach!!
For the photo album of the event click on the picture below.
