YMCA West Balkan Initiative meeting in Gabrovo strengthens regional cooperation and YMCA development
YMCA leaders and partners gathered in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, from 19–22 October 2026 for the West Balkan Initiative Regional Meeting. Hosted by YMCA Gabrovo, the meeting combined practical learning and regional planning with the celebration of the organisation’s 35th anniversary.
Representatives from YMCA North Macedonia, YMCA Serbia, YMCA Kosovo and YMCA Gabrovo joined partners from YMCA Siderno – Italy, YMCA Thessaloniki- Greece, YMCA of the USA and YMCA Europe, with additional contributions online, including from YMCA Germany. Together, they explored how stronger organisations and closer partnerships can create more opportunities for young people across the region.
Strengthening national movements and pathways to membership
National progress reports provided space to share achievements, challenges, governance developments and strategic priorities. These exchanges highlighted the importance of leadership within each national movement and the contribution of boards, staff and volunteers in sustaining progress.
For YMCA Europe, a central focus was the pathway towards membership for Serbia, North Macedonia , as countries part of the Western Balkan Initiative. Alina Pop, YMCA Europe’s Organisational Development Director, led a session on membership requirements, standards and expectations, connecting the process with the practical work of strengthening governance, leadership and organisational sustainability.
The membership journey supports national movements in building the foundations they need to thrive, while deepening their participation in a connected and representative European YMCA family. As a concrete follow-up, separate monthly governance meetings for YMCA Serbia and YMCA North Macedonia are planned from November 2026 to review progress, address challenges and provide continued support.
Sharing expertise and developing practical cooperation
The programme brought together complementary expertise on fundraising, donor relationships, European funding opportunities and quality overnight camps. Contributions from YMCA of the USA explored building trust with donors, responsible stewardship and the development of safe, financially sustainable camp programmes. YMCA Siderno and YMCA Thessaloniki contributed perspectives on funding opportunities and regional cooperation around sports and camps.
The meeting also included the first regional finance thematic exchange, with YMCA Kosovo sharing its financial systems and experience to support stronger financial management, accountability and common working standards.
Looking towards 2027, partners identified opportunities for business development training in Kosovo, regional engagement in the LINK Conference, and cooperation on sports and camps. Participating YMCAs were encouraged to select and pilot one or two new fundraising approaches, supported by further resources and individual follow-up. YMCA Germany’s offer to host the next regional meeting in Berlin provides another opportunity to build on this work.
Celebrating 35 years of YMCA Gabrovo
The gathering also offered an opportunity to celebrate YMCA Gabrovo’s 35th anniversary at the House of Culture. The Mayor and Regional Governor of Gabrovo joined board members, young people, parents, supporters and international YMCA guests to recognise three and a half decades of youth empowerment and community service.
On behalf of YMCA Europe, Alina Pop presented a recognition honouring YMCA Gabrovo’s dedicated leadership, commitment to child and youth development, and contribution as a trusted YMCA organisation. The celebration recognised the generations of leaders, staff, volunteers, families and supporters whose work has built lasting relationships and opportunities in the community.
Turning shared learning into action
The progress of the West Balkan Initiative depends on the people who lead and serve their national movements, alongside partners who invest their time, expertise and resources. YMCA Europe thanks YMCA Gabrovo for its warm hospitality, YMCA of the USA and YMCA Germany for their continued support, and all participating movements and regional partners for their leadership, friendship and commitment.
The next step is to turn the knowledge, partnerships and inspiration shared in Gabrovo into practical action, strengthening YMCAs that can sustainably serve young people and their communities.
