YMCA invation at the United Nations

New York City was our host for the week, we had arrived from all around the world, 24 YMCA colleagues representing, 13 countries and 5 continents. We all planned to meet at West Side YMCA, located just off of Central Park! The meeting was a chance for us all to say hello to each other, speak about what we do, what our individual YMCA’s do, and where in the world we all came from. This first meeting also gave us all a opportunity to go through some key agendas prior to the start of the UN Youth Forum which was to start the following day.

West Side YMCA held up the reputation of fantastic American hospitality, they made us all feel welcome and served lovely food. I had walked around New York all day, so I visited the food table a good 5 times, stalking over the table like a vulture. We shared a brisk walk back to our accommodation which was on the east side of Manhattan; here I was able to get to know my new colleagues further.

Monday morning swiftly arrived, the excitement grew, and after a quick morning stroll, we had reached the United Nations headquarters. In no time at all, we had all collected our security tags, badges and headed inside, one of the world’s iconic buildings, a building which is an international lead on democracy, justice and humanity! On entering we were shown to the Trusteeship Chamber. Our seats inside the main chamber were situated on the ground floor; YMCA delegate seats were dotted in prime positions next to the representatives of the United States and United   Kingdom no less.
The Youth Forum kicked off by an opening statement of the Council President, which was followed by a message from the current UN Secretary General and then the outgoing UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth. The session started with a ministerial round table, this gave us a chance to have key seats in the significant discussions and a chance to raise questions in all matters regarding youth, equality, empowerment, education and the eradication of poverty. Delegates asked questions to member states’ representatives of how all these important issues raised are going to collaborate with the UN SDG's 2030 mission and how young people can play a part! 

After lunch we headed to the breakout sessions, I attended the breakout session regarding SDG 9 'Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation'. This session gave insight to how we can promote the use of digital currency as an incentive for social and community good, not just for a monetary value, and how communities and youth play a big role in the development of infrastructure and promoting an all-inclusive society. We had some keynote speakers, who highlighted the importance of youth in future societies.

We headed back to the trusteeship chamber for the final session of day one; we heard all the reporting from the breakout sessions that ran prior! We also had a talk and Q&A with tech professionals on the Role of technology in implementing the SDGs. 

The day ended with a group photo of all the YMCA delegates, where we opportunistically held the flag of the United Nations for the photo......we put it back of course!  

We headed back to the UN headquarters for Day 2 of the Youth Forum. Straight away we headed into another breakout session; this time round the session was based on your geographical location. Europe, North America and Other States was the room I attended along with others and Phillippa of YMCA England. Here we discussed in groups: Young people’s risk of poverty and social exclusion, investment in young people and youth organisations, social protection and quality of jobs for young people as well as young people’s participation in democratic life and in society, including in politics and policy making.

After this breakout session, we headed back into the main chamber, where again we heard feedback from all the reginal breakout sessions, as a team of YMCA representatives we advocated for all the young people we work with and youth that we need to work with because the YMCA leaves no-one behind. From all the sessions, it was clear that a stage like this on such an international field is where the YMCA deserves to be, YMCA’s work all around the world, in 12,000 communities, where our work touches the hearts of 55 million members. Our presence caught the eye of many representatives and participants at the forum, one gentleman in the lift simply said “You’re the YMCA right? You guys are everywhere.”

The final session involved the final hearings from the forum, it was also a pleasure to witness a YMCA delegate speak from the top table, Ivana Ilic, General-Secretary of YMCA Serbia gave an inspiring and well-informed speech, a speech that came from the heart and resonated with everyone in the room.

What an experience it was, from meeting all the new faces, participating in a video blog to spread awareness of YMCA in China with Jessie and Lilly, having dinner with Romulo (Brazil & Switzerland) and the rest of the team. Celebrating Sebastian’s (YMCA Colombia) Birthday whilst we all ate out, listening to the wonderful work YMCA do back in Australia from Steven. Mini adventures around New York City with Joen of YMCA Sweden and Phillippa. We were joined by Razvan (Romania) on the last day of sight-seeing. Participating in mini protests with everyone and members of YMCA New York, Springfield College YMCA, YMCA Albania and YMCA Serbia.

Being able to represent YMCA North Staffordshire, YMCA England and World YMCA as a Youth Ambassador in a building of such political and diplomatic importance that is the United Nations, it has been a journey of inspiration, joy, hope and wisdom. Meeting with other like-minded young people from all around the world, I have been inspired with their knowledge and enthusiasm of change, change that is especially for the benefit of young people and the wider society, wherever and whoever they are. I bring back that knowledge and willingness, more now, than ever, where I hope to step-up and play my part.