Over 300 gather for World Council webinar: “The YMCA pulls together”

On Thursday, 26 March 2026, more than 300 people from across the global YMCA Movement tuned in to the first webinar on the World Council. Held every four years, the 21st World Council takes place 19-25 July 2026 in Toronto, Canada – less than four months away. 

People joined from the Philippines to Sierra Leone, India to Canada, to learn more about programming, logistics, governance, and what to expect. More than 1,300 people are signed up to attend, with 70 per cent of webinar participants attending their first World Council. Global Event Coordinator Kerry Reilly of YMCA Scotland led the session. 

This year’s World Council theme is Transform, building on previous gatherings: ‘Ignite’ at the last World Council in Aarhus in 2022 and ‘Accelerate’ at the YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa in 2024. Together, these themes trace the Movement’s journey through YMCA Vision 2030. 

World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee opened the webinar with a reflection on the current conflict in the Middle East, acknowledging the challenges facing the Movement whilst emphasising the importance of gathering together. 

A transformed Movement pulling together 

World YMCA President Soheila Hayek framed what’s at stake: “We are four years into Vision 2030, and the Movement has fundamentally evolved. We have entered a new era, and we are writing a new chapter. We are a transformed Movement, all the while staying true to our founding principles. While the world pulls apart, the YMCA pulls together”. 

Ronald Senghore, Chair of the Governance Committee and member of YMCA The Gambia, outlined World Council’s role as the highest authority of the World Alliance of YMCAs.  The role includes: 

• Receiving reports from the Secretary General and President covering the preceding four years 
• Electing officers and Executive Committee members 
• Admitting new members 
• Considering amendments to the Constitution. 

“Governance matters to everyone. Ultimately, it shapes the entire Movement,” Ronald said. “Governance isn’t just about voting, it’s about how we lead, protect, and sustain the YMCA Movement together”.  

Programming designed for peer learning and transformation 

Y-USA’s Adriana Stanovici, Chair of the Programme Committee, shared details about the diverse programme designed for over 100 countries, including many first-time attendees and young people. A highlight will be Solution Studios, a new format focusing on three areas:  

• The Shift (understanding current global forces and their demands on leadership) 

• The Journey and Response (highlighting YMCA responses and practical insights) 

• The Future and Transformation (imagining future possibilities and preparing for change). 

“We have many different session types and ways to engage in small groups,” she said. “At the end of the day we get inspiration, and then we need to go home and figure out what we can bring back that’s relevant to our communities.” 

Jessica Nkongolo and Alexandria Samson of the Implementation Team and the YMCA Canada National Organizing Committee encouraged early travel booking, noting that world events are impacting flight costs. World YMCA is collecting participant information so the Canadian host team can welcome attendees.  

With less than four months until World Council, anticipation is building. Over 1,300 delegates from more than 100 countries will gather in Toronto to shape the next chapter of our Movement’s journey through Vision 2030.