On 14 April 2026, in Stockholm, global partners of YMCA Ukraine convened for a strategic gathering focused on reinforcing collective efforts and shaping the next phase of impact in Ukraine.
Representatives from across Europe and North America came together with a shared purpose: to strengthen support not only for today’s realities, but for a resilient and sustainable future.
Over the past four years, YMCA Ukraine has reached hundreds of thousands of young people and families through critical programs spanning humanitarian assistance, youth employment, mental health support, and camp-based initiatives. These efforts represent the largest collective YMCA humanitarian response since World War II.
Building on this foundation, the organization is expanding its work across 17 communities throughout Ukraine, deepening its reach and reinforcing its long-term presence where it is needed most.
During the meeting, the YMCA Ukraine team presented their achievements, challenges, plans for 2026, as well as its updated vision and strategy. Special attention was given to open dialogue with partners, including mutual expectations, the format of collaboration within the partner group, and the next steps for implementing the shared strategy.
The dialogue with partners centered on:
• Enhancing program effectiveness through shared expertise, innovation, and collective learning
• Strengthening strategic alignment to maximize cross-border collaboration and coordinated action
• Advancing institutional development to ensure stability, resilience, and long-term capacity
This was not a conversation about quick solutions. It was a deliberate effort to build the systems, partnerships, and trust required for enduring impact.
Beyond strategy and planning, the meeting underscored a deeper principle: solidarity. True partnership means showing up with consistency, acting with intention, and supporting those leading on the ground.
As Ukraine continues to navigate an evolving and challenging context, the strength of the global YMCA movement lies in its unity, in its ability to combine local leadership with international support, guided by empathy and a shared long-term vision.
YMCA Europe extends its sincere appreciation to YMCA Ukraine and its partners for the trust, openness, and continued commitment: YMCA USA, YMCA Finland, YWCA-YMCA Sweden, YMCA Germany, YWCA-YMCA Denmark, One YMCA (England and Wales YMCA). Together, these partnerships demonstrate that meaningful change is built not only through action, but through shared responsibility, trust, and long-term commitment.
