Pillar 4:
Just
World
YMCA Pillar Films on A Just World
A just world is one where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, equality and respect. This film explores how YMCAs are working alongside communities and young people to challenge inequality, promote inclusion and build a fairer world where everyone can thrive.
Our three Just World goals
Our Belief
The YMCA believes in the power of young people and communities to promote and advance justice, peace, equity and human rights for all.
Our Pledge
The YMCA will become a global voice in the fight against systemic discrimination, inequity, injustice and racism in all its forms, amplifying the voices of young people and communities where it is active to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
Our case studies and projects
Take a look at some of the ways we try to create a Just World:
A field report from member YMCAs on the front lines of equity, justice, and inclusion — submitted ahead of the 21st World Council.
Our Just World work in action
Accompanying young people on the journey from ‘Subject’ to ‘Citizen’
Youth Justice & Dignity
The Youth Justice Programme, implemented across multiple African countries since 2015, empowers young people at risk of or in conflict with the law. As part of the Subject to Citizen (S2C) Vision, it provides mentorship, community engagement, and resilience-building strategies. Through three tested iterations, the programme has achieved an exceptional recidivism rate of below 2%, compared to national averages of over 50%. It fosters inclusion, economic reintegration, and justice by partnering with families and communities to reduce stigma and create sustainable transformation.
Building new lives for young people released from prison
Youth Justice & Dignity
The Youth Justice and Dignity Programme, supported by YMCA Cameroon, assists young people in or at risk of conflict with the law through a three-phase approach: prevention, in-prison support, and post-release reintegration. Since 2021, the initiative has provided civic education, vocational training, life skills, and micro-grants using a co-creative design sprint model. The impact includes 23 young people starting or expanding businesses, 10 of them learning the skills of electronics, and others gaining access to safer workspaces and civic dialogue. The programme empowers young people with skills, dignity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Our latest Just World news
Our Just World videos.
Video
10 February 2025
Supporting young offenders across Africa – The African Youth Justice project has been implemented by 9 African YMCAs. Since 2015 it has supported some 169,000 young men and women who are in potential or actual conflict with the law.
Video
12 March 2025
Mentoring young girls in the UK – Since 2021, the Y’s Girls programme (delivered in 10 local YMCAs across the UK) has matched trained volunteer mentors with some 270 girls aged 9-14.
Feature Story
YMCAs play important role in building a Just World
We understand the words when we talk about the four Pillars of Impact of YMCA Vision 2030 – Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet and Just World. But do we know what they mean?
Read the full story