June 28th – July 2nd 2023, YMCA Europe marked a significant milestone with its #Y2gether event celebrating 50 years of empowering young people and fostering positive change across the continent.
Held in Berlin, this event brought together close to 400 YMCA leaders, volunteers and youth participants from various European countries, creating an atmosphere of celebration, reflection and inspiration.
The anniversary event served as a platform for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the collective impact of the YMCA movement in Europe over the past five decades. It was a clear and practical expression of YMCA Europe’s mandate in terms of movement strengthening, community engagement, and social responsibility. The goal was to inspire and equip young leaders for the challenges ahead.
Throughout the event, attendees took part in a diverse range of activities, including workshops, panel discussions, interactive sessions and exposure to socially relevant projects led by different organisations in Berlin. These engagements provided an opportunity to share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and explore innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of young people in today’s society.
Prominent guest speakers such as Nick McGirl of Changemakerxchange and Maria Francisca Jorge (What If Innovation – Accenture), and experts from various fields, including youth development, social justice, and education, shared their insights and experiences, sparking meaningful conversations and thought-provoking discussions.
These sessions encouraged participants to think critically, challenge the status quo, and envision a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
One of the highlights of the Y2gether event was the recognition and celebration of YMCA Europe’s achievements and impact over the past 50 years.
Through impactful storytelling, multimedia presentations, and personal testimonies, the event showcased the countless lives touched and transformed by the YMCA movement across Europe. It highlighted the organisation’s commitment to promoting youth leadership, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, peace building and sustainable development.
Y2gether also provided participants with opportunities for fun, cultural exchange and building new friendships. Social activities, artistic performances and informal gatherings brought everyone together during a programme that highlighted the diversity among the local and national YMCAs.
A highlight was the daily spiritual expression fully integrated in the programme through devotions and reflections connected with the four pillars of the newly adopted global Vision 2030.
Day 1 – June 28th
(photo album available here, highlights of the day video here)
The event also included YMCA Europe’s General Assembly on the 28th of June, bringing together the leadership of our movement which received the 2022 reports, financial statements and adopting the Vision 2030. Our European National YMCAs were eager to see YMCA Europe’s full alignment with the world’s vision.
Hosted by CVJM (YMCA Germany and YMCA Berlin) the event was held at the Schoeneberg Centre. The welcome evening was centered around live performances, celebrating our heritage and past leadership within the YMCA.
Day 2 – June 29th
(photo album available here, highlights of the day video here)
The second day was dedicated to exploring the historical and relevant places in the City of Berlin through a planned interactive game involving all participants.
Then the sessions began with an introduction to the key principles of Vision 2030 and its activation across the movement. Sustainable Planet was the title for the first session and it included a draft declaration on Climate Emergency. The program offered a good blend between keynote speeches, best practices panels, spiritual reflections and discussions within groups, collecting best practices and results.
The evening program concluded with a session bringing together National Youth Representatives and Leaders from across the movement – paving the way for a promising future for the YMCA.
Day 3 – June 30th
(photo album available here, highlights of the day video here)
The next day focused on Community Wellbeing, encouraging participants to discuss strategies, collecting best practices and learning within a group context through visits to social and environmental organisations in Berlin through outstanding “city tracks” planned by the Berlin YMCA team and involving 16 different socially relevant organisations.
Over 35 National General Secretaries, representatives from YMCAs in Europe and global leaders, gathered at the Chapel of Reconciliation located at the area where once Germany and Europe were divided by a wall.
Inspiring reflections were shared about YMCA`s role and responsibility in promoting safe spaces for unity, peace building and justice.
The evening programme included the performance of the talented group of young people of Ten Sing Berlin.
Day 4 – July 1st
(photo album available here, highlights of the day video here)
The Just World Pillar focused on youth, peace, and security as relevant aspects within our strategy. Special breakout groups were organised for the participants on Refugees, Peace Building and Justice.
The session on Do No Harm and conflict transformation underlined the importance of our movement’s actions and programs in line with the pillar of Just World of Vision 2030.
The day continued with the keynote presentation and discussion of the Meaningful Work Pillar. The goal was to share the best internal and external approaches for a relevant and sustainable development of young people within their societies. It has been a great learning process on the future of work, youth empowerment and community support.
As an additional example of this practical work, the National Youth Representatives of “Know Your Say” taking part at a specific training during the week had a chance to meet with their NGSs, updating then on the outcomes of the training and potential projects that can be implemented at local and national level led by youth.
The team has been incredibly delighted to have an expert like Markus Schwertel, Director for Government Affairs & Public Policy at HP, leading the sessions on youth policy and advocacy through innovative tools, enabling the participants to delve deeper into the topic, and encouraging active critical thinking .
The day concluded with our meeting with our partners of the “Refugee Skilling and Support” program in partnership with Accenture. We discussed our further strategic framework within the project, best practices, and updates.
The meeting has been rich in insights and plans for further developments across the 12 hubs involved in the program – paving the north star of our future collaboration henceforth.
During the closing evening, the fellowship was strengthened through a special farewell dinner. Live music, performances on stage and an award ceremony recognising YMCA Europe’s partnership with YMCA Germany, Bread for the World, YMCA of the USA and emphasising YMCA Ukraine’s peace work in partnership with all European and global movements were the highlights of the evening.
We are extremely thankful to YMCA Germany, the Planning Team, our Executive Committee, Staff and all panelists, speakers and contributors to Y2gether such as performers, technical team, partners at the Schoeneberg Centre venue and hostel. The passion and commitment shown by everyone was truly inspiring and crucial for our success in the event.
YMCA Europe definitely activated Vision 2030 in Berlin, involving all our member national YMCAs and most important: with and for young people!
Our event could not have been of historical meaning if it wasn’t for the presence and participation of the past leadership of our movement. The ex-Presidents, Secretary General, and staff members created a bridge between the past present & the future of our movement by connecting with the young leaders, and National Youth Representatives and establishing a fruitful avenue of collaboration and idea-sharing for a better tomorrow.
As the Y2gether event drew to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of commitment stressing empowering young people across Europe with new ideas, skills and connections for the benefit of their communities.
YMCA Europe’s 50th-anniversary celebration at the Y2gether event in Berlin not only served as a momentous occasion to acknowledge the organisation’s achievements but also acted as a catalyst for shaping the future of the YMCA movement at all levels.
By bringing together young leaders, volunteers, and stakeholders, the event reignited the passion for youth empowerment and collaboration, setting the stage for the YMCA’s continued growth and impact in the years to come.
Overall, the Y2gether event was a resounding success, encapsulating the spirit of the YMCA’s 50 years of service to European youth. It served as a powerful reminder of the organisation’s enduring commitment to empowering young people, building resilient communities, and creating a better world for all.
Thank you so much everyone! Vielen Dank!
Program of the event here. Presentations available here.
Message by the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Lisa Paus, Member of the German Bundestag, 50th anniversary of YMCA Europe in Berlin
Video – Highlights of the days are available here.
