Global YMCA Leadership Gathers in Pristina, Kosovo (February 26th – March 1st) to Shape the Future with Vision 2030 Implementation.
The recent YMCA National General Secretaries meeting brought together leaders from around the world, both in-person in Pristina and online, hosted by our member Movement – YMCA Kosovo.
The assembly covered an array of pivotal topics, focusing notably on the implementation and impact of YMCA Vision 2030, adopted 18 months ago. Sanvee Madjri Carlos, World YMCA Secretary General, shared insights into the active involvement of 70 National Movements in realizing the vision.
The first day of the meeting featured insightful coaching and sharing sessions, with a particular emphasis on resilience and effective leadership in the face of adversity. The gathering provided a platform for great conversations, opportunities to connect, and align strategies for implementing YMCA Vision 2030 within the movement.
Leaders from World YMCA, The Y USA, and international movements engaged in discussions, underscoring the importance of joint commitment to the vision’s pillars at the grassroots level, emphasizing community relevance.
YMCA Ireland National General Secretary John Peacock spoke from the heart about his six principles of peace-making: Justice, Unity, Diversity, Inclusion, Trust, Humility.
Reflecting on the global impact of the YMCA movement, leaders from Brazil to Bangladesh, South Africa to Sweden, and Korea to Kosovo participated in sessions that centered on peace-building and unity, aligning efforts to advance #YMCAVision2030 worldwide.
In our group in Pristina were leaders from the YMCA West Balkan Initiative which promotes exchange between young people in Kosovo, Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia. The initiative recognizes the pivotal role of young people as potent agents of peace, aiming to bridge divides and promote unity in the region.
The Global NGS Meeting in Pristina concluded on a celebratory note with a special evening themed “Celebration of Youth.” The leadership of YMCA had the opportunity to connect with esteemed guests, including UN Resident Coordinator Arnhild Spence, EU Ambassador Tomas Szunyog, and US Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier, along with representatives from their respective national embassies in Kosovo.
The NGS meeting was a testament to the impactful journey of the YMCA movement globally, and leaders left with excitement and enthusiasm for the path ahead. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier said:“I virtually grew up in the Whatcom Family YMCA in Bellingham in Washington State, US, and my mother still goes there every day. I learned to swim at the Y, I learned leadership and service at the Y. At 17, I sat as the youth member on the Board of the Y. I learned the value of my skills and the value of others’ skills at the Y….Never doubt the wonderful effect the Y can and does have on young people all over the world.”
We also heard from Elda Brada, Petrit Bejdoni and Dorina Lluka Davies of YMCA Kosovo, and Carlos Sanvee of World YMCA: “My friends, never doubt the wonderful effect the Y can and does have on young people all over the world. And they may not remember to say thank you aged 9, or 12, or 15 – but they will never forget you later in life.”
Look out tonight for a celestial surprise: a new star officially named YMCA! Positioned at RA 7h 4m 6.5s and DEC 20°34’ 13.1”, this stellar gift from YMCA Kosovo, courtesy of Dorina Lluka-Davies, shines alongside our North Star—the guiding light, shared presence, and destination that transcends annual plans, budgets, and even strategies. This celestial addition embodies its own peace and purpose, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the YMCA Movement.
