From 10–16 August 2025, Masaryk’s Camp in Soběšín, Czech Republic, became the stage for Youth Unify 2025, a global youth gathering hosted by YMCA Czech Republic.
The event brought together around 170 participants from 19 countries, stretching from Hong Kong to the United States.
For many of the young participants, this was their first journey abroad, offering a unique opportunity to discover new cultures, share personal experiences, and build friendships across borders. The theme “Called to be Closer” was reflected in every aspect of the camp, from intercultural exchange and storytelling to practical learning sessions and collaborative activities.
The week-long programme combined cultural discovery with skills development. Participants explored global diversity through a cultural evening, where each delegation presented traditions and YMCA initiatives from their home countries, and through workshops and excursions highlighting Czech heritage and the history of YMCA in the country.
In addition, collaboration with Accenture provided workshops on cybersecurity, focusing on online safety, types of cybercrime, geolocation, and the responsible use of digital technologies.
YMCA Europe’s Roots for Peace programme also contributed to the camp by delivering three workshops as part of its “Do No Harm Multipliers” training. These sessions encouraged participants to reflect on conflict sensitivity, context analysis, and the implicit ethical messages carried by our actions and words, skills that are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world.
Youth Unify 2025 was more than just a camp: it was a platform for connection, dialogue, and learning. By combining cultural exchange, practical knowledge, and tools for peacebuilding, the event strengthened the bonds among young people across continents and reaffirmed the role of YMCA as a global community builder.
Youth Unify is an international YMCA gathering that brings together young people from around the world to learn, share, and build friendships across cultures. Rooted in the YMCA’s Christian ecumenical tradition, it creates a safe and inclusive space where participants can experience fellowship and unity, serve others in a spirit of solidarity, and explore how faith and values remain relevant in today’s communities. Through dialogue, cultural exchange, and practical action, Youth Unify supports young people in becoming more responsive to both the social and spiritual needs of those around them. Check out Youth Unify events since 2015.
