YMCA stands for Young Men’s Christian Association. It is a world-wide Christian, ecumenical, voluntary Movement for women and men with special emphasis on, and the genuine involvement of, young people, which seeks to share the Christian ideal of building a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creation.

YMCAs work for social justice for all people, irrespective of religion, race, gender or cultural background.

The World Alliance was established in 1855 with its first World Conference in Paris. The Conference drew up the Paris Basis, the YMCA’s mission statement, which made the World Alliance of YMCAs a pioneer of ecumenism.