Last month, YMCA participated in the European Youth Forum Academy, a key opportunity to exchange knowledge and strengthen the capacity of youth organisations across the continent.
Across Europe, civil society organisations are navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Shrinking civic spaces, growing polarisation, and increasing external pressures are testing the ability of NGOs to stay true to their missions while remaining effective and sustainable.
For a movement like YMCA, which operates across diverse national contexts, these challenges highlight the importance of connection, collaboration, and continuous learning. The Academy offered valuable space for reflection and peer learning, reminding us that a strong, connected, and values-driven civil society doesn’t just survive; it adapts, learns from others, and continues to serve its communities with purpose and integrity.
For YMCA Europe, taking part in spaces like this is not only about representation, but also about service. As an umbrella organisation supporting national YMCAs across the region, we must remain attentive to the broader trends shaping civil society.
By learning from other organisations and sharing insights, we strengthen our ability to support our members, helping them to navigate complex realities while staying anchored in YMCA’s core values of care, inclusion, and empowerment.
In times of uncertainty, YMCA Europe reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration, amplifying youth voices, and building a resilient network of YMCAs that continue to inspire and empower young people across Europe. Because together, we are stronger, and better equipped to adapt and thrive without losing sight of who we are.”
