"The YMCA will continue to empower more youth and transform communities", said Eltvik, "and to do this the Movement will continue to be socially relevant and achieve impact in people’s lives."
Speaking about Eltvik’s appointment, Dr. Bart Shaha, current Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs said, "I have known Johan for many years as a colleague and a friend. It is a great pleasure to be passing on this role to him, and I am very confident in his ability to lead and strengthen our global Movement. I wish him every success and God’s blessings as he takes up this new role."
Born in Norway, Eltvik has served as a staff member of the YMCA since 1986. In the eighties he introduced Ten Sing at the YMCA in Germany. Ten Sing is a youth-led programme focusing on leadership and expression through music, arts and drama. He has served as Leadership Development Director for YWCA/YMCA Norway, before taking up leadership positions at YMCA Europe level. In 2004, he received the Cavalier Cross of the Polish Order of Merit from the State President of Poland. Eltvik is currently serving as General Secretary of YMCA Europe.
