The main purpose was to update the NGSs about the developments in the implementation of our adopted agenda over the past three months and receive feedback about the exiting tools, programmatic initiatives and new projects.
President Emma Osmundsen highlighted these objectives and shared about the ongoing work of the Executive Committee and Staff Team in fulfilling their roles.
An opening reflection and devotion by Oystein Magelssen, NGS of YMCA-YWCA Norway invited the participants to value the fellowship of our joint work as a key element within our mission and identity as a movement.
We received an encouraging video message and salute by Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of World YMCA thanking and congratulating YMCA Europe and the wide European movement for the leadership and response within the present health and social context, making the YMCA relevant and inspiring for the community and young people.
Carlos reminder the joint work of World and Europe YMCAs over the past months in initiatives such as the published call for a Project Manager in Brussels, the ongoing work on a joint fees or affiliation protocol at Area and World level.
The alignment within the global Vision 2030 was highlighted by Carlos and also by President Emma Osmundsen and Secretary General Juan Simoes Iglesias throughout the meeting.
Juan also provided details and answers about the mentioned joint initiatives and highlighted the new YMCA Europe’s educational project for staff and volunteers in Europe in the format of an Executive Master in partnership with ISCTE Executive Education in Lisbon, Portugal.
We were also honoured by the presence and presentation of Ioannis Malekos, Head of Unit of Youth, Volunteer Solidarity and Traineeship Office at the European Commission who shared the objectives and key pillars of the EU 2022 European Year of Youth. Mr. Malekos focused on the role that organisations from the civil society like the YMCA can plan in developing actions under the Year of Youth’s European Commission initiative.
Olga Lukina, our Executive Secretary for Movement Strengthening reported about the key tools and programmatic initiatives within this key working area for YMCA Europe and the participants provided feedback based on specific questions related with the Movement Strengthening strategy.
The meeting ended with a presentation about the planning work and contents related with the 2022 World Council (July 3-9) by Kerry Reilly, National General Secretary of YMCA Scotland with a reminder about the deadline for registrations which has been extended until mid February.
YMCA Europe’s General Assembly is also planned in Aarhus, Denmark just prior to the start of World Council. Another reminder about the online UNIFY conference taking place on January 28th at 16.00 was also shared.
The meeting ended with gratitude words from our President Emma and Secretary General Juan for everyone’s participation and commitment with a special word of gratitude to our Director of Communications Marius Pop for all technical arrangements and presentations which lead to the full development of the agenda.
Thank you everyone and happy birthday Emma for your birthday on January 26th!!!