The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is one of the oldest and largest Movements for youth in the world. Founded in 1844, it now operates in 119 countries, and reaches 58 million people. The YMCA works to bring social justice and peace to young people and their communities, regardless of religion, race, gender or culture.

Local and National YMCA Associations are strongly rooted in their communities. Depending on the local context and priority issues affecting young people, YMCAs operate in a wide range of programme areas including:

Sustainable Development

Education & Vocational Training

Gender Equality

Climate Change

Health & HIV/AIDS Prevention

Inter-faith dialogue

Food Security

Leadership Development

Migration

Civic Engagement & Human Rights Education

Peace-building

In addition to undertaking research, awareness-raising, and training in these programme areas, YMCAs also advocate to ensure adequate national and international public policies that protect and promote the rights of youth and women in particular. Through these actions, YMCAs are creating long-lasting change in the lives of millions of youth and the communities of which they are part. In all activities, strong emphasis is given to youth leadership and youth participation.