Strengthening the ongoing work of YMCA Ukraine and our diverse programmes designed to serve and integrate communities of refugees that crossed the border, are priorities for YMCA Europe. Our collective response is the best expression of the unprecedented solidarity campaign that you decided to support.
During the Conference, we highlighted programmes from peace-building initiatives to actions focusing on youth empowerment and movement strengthening at all levels within the region.
YMCA’s response continues to make a difference. Our presence and relevant actions are building strong connections across the continent, involving also the public and private sectors. We could not be more grateful for your trust and commitment!
At this Conference, we also discussed the next stages in our collective response to the consequences of war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis.
We had the opportunity to hear live testimonials from people directly involved in the response: Viktor Serbulor (General Secretary of YMCA Ukraine), Victoria Trofimova (Board member of YMCA Ukraine and project coordinator for the Ukrainian community at YMCA Bavaria), Alina Pop (General Secretary, YMCA Romania).
Tom Valentine (Vice President of International – YMCA of the USA) and Kathleen Elisg (Director of Global Partnerships at the World YMCA) presented the worldwide support coming from national and local movements – from psychosocial to integration initiatives. This was a great opportunity to honor the support brought to the communities affected by the war, in Ukraine and the surrounding countries. Through their engagement YMCA of the USA and World YMCA enabled the development of first-line and long-term integration centers, facilitating the work of the YMCAs at the grassroots level in the humanitarian crisis caused by the war.
Our impact continues to attract new partners in the public and private sectors. Strategic alliances are raising the profile of our work and opening doors for a future of reconciliation.
As we activate in Europe the newly adopted global Vision 2030, we see this cooperation as a real example of a collective journey that involves all our internal and external stakeholders.
Many of the summer camps across Europe integrated refugees coming from Ukraine, dozens of local YMCAs continue hosting families of displaced persons and newcomers, and most national YMCAs have adapted their strategies to the new social context, renewing our historic commitment to peace.
We would like to thank you once more for giving us the chance to report on our impact, and providing an opportunity to share best practices by consolidating the network of our partners and beneficiaries.
