Programme announcement
Our dynamic programme features over 70 seminars, lectures and workshops embracing the UN Sustainable Development Goals of health, environment, civic engagement, education, economic empowerment & employment. Keynote speakers and leaders are set to share their knowledge, interact with you and lead exciting conversations about how you can help shape change in your community.
We’re excited to announce that youth voice activist and YMCA alumna Ashley Kolaya will act as a leading plenary host. Ashley directs curation and speaker coaching for TED-Ed and TED Masterclass and will also be offering workshops to help young leaders develop their stories and share their voices in the form of TED-style talks.
Other prominent keynote speakers include Amnesty International’s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo, a lifelong social justice and environmental campaigner who will be part of a panel leading a civic engagement-themed discussion on improving quality of life. Archbishop of York and YMCA England & Wales President John Sentamu will also be sharing his life lessons with young leaders.
Performances from artists such as Guvna B (a rapper who won the MOBO Award for Best Gospel Act in 2010), Philippa Hanna (a contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter) and Jake Isaacs (an up-and-coming singer/songwriter) will ensure that everyone can join in with the celebration of 175 years of YMCA. There will also be inspirational poetry from Joshua Idehen and performances from the Saltmine Theatre Company with excerpts from Soul in the Machine, telling the story of founder George Williams and the beginnings of YMCA.
Take a look to find out more about what’s on 4-8 August. There is still time to register if you haven’t yet done so – but note that the deadline is 30 June.
Register today!
175 stories for 175 years
Be a special part of this anniversary celebration and send in your YMCA story. We want to share messages from people of all ages and backgrounds, so don’t be shy. All we need is a 30-second selfie video, shot horizontally, with your name, country and how YMCA has shaped your life. Easy right?
To take part, send in your videos to: palmer@ymca.int
Deadline for entries is 31 May.