YMCA Europe held its annual General Assembly from 14 to 17 May 2026 in Qawra, Malta – bringing together more than 100 delegates, guests, and National Movement representatives from across the continent and beyond, under the theme “From Safe Harbour to Home.”
The gathering marked a significant milestone as it also celebrated our gracious host, YMCA Malta’s 50th Anniversary, weaving together reflection and deep community pride. A heartfelt thank you to YMCA Malta for their outstanding hospitality, warmth, and care throughout the entire event, their dedication to every detail made delegates and guests feel truly welcomed and at home.
Governance and Key Decisions
Delegates addressed key governance affairs, including the adoption of the Secretary General’s report and 2025 Annual Report, financial accounts, the Auditor’s report, and the George Williams Fund report. Members also adopted YWCA-YMCA of Sweden’s Safe Spaces Motion, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to inclusive and safe environments for all.
Elections & New Executive Committee Members
As a result of the elections held for the Executive Committee of YMCA Europe, we are happy to welcome:
• Rob van Loon as Vice President
• Matti Vainio as Treasurer
• Eneko López de Dicastillo as Assessor
• Jean Paul Mifsud as Assessor
• Alannah Wrynn as Assessor
We trust that their strategic vision and proven commitment to youth rights and community development will guide our movement forward with pride, and we pledge our full support for their upcoming mandate. The Assembly also took a moment to warmly recognise and honour the outgoing Executive Committee members for their years of dedicated service, a tribute richly deserved.
A Rich Programme of Dialogue
The theme guided a rich programme of dialogue and exchange, anchored by a dedicated panel session on “From Safe Harbour to Home”, where diverse stakeholders debated what Europe’s social future should look like and how young people can benefit from stability, safety, and empowerment.
We are proud to have welcomed as guests Ms. Miriam Teuma – Chief Executive Officer of Agenzija Żgħażagħ, Mr. Matthew Zerafa – Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority of Malta, Mr. Martin Houghton-Brown – Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Emma Osmundsen – President of YMCA Europe, Mr. Pedro Fueyo – National General Secretary of YMCA Spain, and Mr. Dumitru Roibu – Digital Programmes Manager of YMCA Moldova.
The opening also benefited from a video message from Glenn Micallef – European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sports, highlighting the key role the YMCA movement plays in social inclusion and youth development across Europe.
Group discussions were facilitated by key experts: Dr. Jake Azzopardi – Chief Executive Officer for Affordable Housing, Ms. Marvic Ann Debono – Programme Manager for the Youth Sector of EUPA, Ylenia Vella – Department Manager for Mainstream Advisory Services of JobPlus, and Anthony Camilleri – National General Secretary of YMCA Malta.
Together with delegates, they explored what it means to move beyond safety and belonging toward genuine inclusion and stability.
A Truly Global Gathering
This year’s General Assembly was enriched by the presence of distinguished international guests who reflected the truly global reach of the YMCA movement. We were honoured to welcome Carlos Sanvee – Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs, whose presence underscored the strong ties between YMCA Europe and the global movement.
We also warmly welcomed Hélène Weir, volunteer from YMCA Canada (YMCA USA), and Kimberly Masucci, volunteer from YMCA USA, whose transatlantic participation highlighted the strong partnership between YMCA Europe and YMCA USA.
From Latin America, we were delighted to receive José Ricardo Caporal – Secretary General of YMCA Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and Bernadete Maria Franco Cunha – President of YMCA Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, whose presence brought a wonderful spirit of solidarity and shared values across continents.
From the Y’s Men International family, we welcomed Martin Vosjan – Area President, Y’s Men International Area Europe, and Ådne Wesnes – Member of the YMI Area Board.
We were also honoured to have with us George Vincent – Chairman of YMCA Indian Student Hostel London, National Council of India, and Ananda Kumar Antony Muthu – Programme Secretary, ISH London, National Council of India, representing the longstanding bond between the Indian YMCA movement and Europe.
An Uplifting Partnership Signed
A significant moment during the Assembly was the signing of a Protocol of Cooperation between YMCA Europe and Y’s Men International Area Europe. This agreement aims to align movement-strengthening efforts in support of National and Local YMCAs, as well as YMI clubs across Europe, ensuring coordinated, strategic, and mutually reinforcing action — a meaningful step forward in deepening a partnership with deep historical roots.
Special recognition and Roots for Peace Award
Special recognition was extended to Tom Cusens, Founding Member of YMCA Malta, during plenary: an emotional and deeply appreciated moment that drew another standing ovation from the room, reflecting the warmth and gratitude of the entire movement.
Another emotionally powerful moment of the Assembly was the presentation of the YMCA Europe Roots for Peace Award to Davit Melkumyan. The room rose in a spontaneous and heartfelt standing ovation, a testament to the profound respect and admiration the entire movement holds for Davit and his efforts in peacework in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Welcoming New Delegates
A Newcomers’ Meeting was held bringing together around 35 participants, demonstrating strong and growing interest in the General Assembly as a governance body and entry point into the wider YMCA Europe movement. The energy and interest proves a clear commitment for the future of our community.
Workshops, Expo, Silent Auction & Excursion
Beyond the formal sessions, the Assembly offered a vibrant mix of parallel workshops facilitated by five National Movements: YWCA-YMCA Sweden, YMCA Ireland, YMCA Scotland, YMCA Malta, and YMCA Romania, as well as an Expo session showcasing the breadth of YMCA work across Europe and the world.
A presentation by the Working Group on Refugees further deepened the conversation, connecting YMCA Europe’s values to some of the most pressing humanitarian realities facing young people across the region today. The Working Group’s contribution reminded delegates of the lived urgency behind the Assembly’s theme.
The Silent Auction was a highlight of the programme, with many generous items received and an impressive level of participation from delegates. A heartfelt thank you goes to all delegates who brought items and actively placed bids!
YMCA Malta organised a beautifully planned cultural and programmes excursion to Valletta, with well-organised transportation and a visit to the stunning Cathedral. Around 50 participants visited the YMCA shelters and hub, gaining a grounded and moving experience of local community life and youth work in action, a proof of the Assembly’s theme made tangible.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 General Assembly reaffirmed YMCA Europe’s collective drive to champion the rights and well-being of young people, working toward environments where every young person can truly feel at home. With new leadership in place and a global community gathered in solidarity, the movement looks to the future with renewed purpose and determination.
We extend our sincere gratitude to YMCA Malta for hosting the 2026 General Assembly with outstanding professionalism and hospitality. Organising an event of this scale, coinciding with your 50th Anniversary, is a remarkable achievement, and your dedication was reflected in every aspect of the programme.
We also wish to acknowledge the Planning and Implementation Team for their commitment and tireless work behind the scenes, which ensured the smooth running of the entire Assembly.
Full photo album available here
