Four leaders of YMCAs in China participated in a thematic meeting of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY).
Invited by APAY, President Chen Xin of the National Council of YMCAs of China (hereafter referred to as NCY China), General Secretary Hao Zhiqiang of NCY China, General Secretary Feng Xiaojuan of Hangzhou YMCA, and Deputy General Secretary Ma Zhaozhen of Shanghai YMCA, traveled to South Korea to attend the meeting and the 110th-anniversary celebration of the Korea YMCA. The delegation also held a liaison meeting with the Korea YMCA and visited the social service projects of the Gwangju YMCA, marking the first overseas exchange event since the leadership transition of NCY China, said YMCA-YWCA in China.
The delegation visited the APAY in Jeju, where both sides engaged in comprehensive exchanges on their respective organizations and key work areas, as well as substantive discussions on future multi-level exchanges and cooperation between these two parties. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary APAY, expressed admiration for the achievements of NCY China in the development of its three main areas of focus: organizational development, social services, and international exchanges in recent years, particularly in the innovative, advocacy-driven, and professionalized social services that respond to societal needs, known as "Y Innovation." The APAY is willing to support NCY China in staff training and expanding regional YMCA exchanges, serving as a bridge and resource provider. The YMCA in China expressed hope to participate more in APAY-organized international programs such as youth peace education, climate change response, and youth empowerment. They also learned about the historical fact that the first General Secretary of the APA was a Chinese national.
The delegation attended the 110th-anniversary celebration of the Korea YMCA and the Sino-Korean YMCA liaison meeting in Seoul. At the celebration, they, along with over 150 representatives from Japan, Russia, and South Korea, witnessed the 110-year journey of the Korea YMCA and its contributions to youth development and societal progress. President Chen Xin delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of NCY China, expressing wishes for the continued development of the Korea YMCA. He emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding the network of friendly relations with the Korea YMCA further to promote cooperation and exchanges between the two sides. During the liaison meeting, both parties introduced recent developments of NCY China and Korea YMCA, reviewed their histories of exchanges, and broadened the platform for further interaction. The two sides reached a consensus on coordinating and assisting city-level YMCAs in project cooperation and cultural exchanges. They also exchanged information on preparations for the 10th China-Japan-Korea YMCA Peace Forum.
The delegation visited Gwangju YMCA to observe social service projects, engaging in discussions on practical experiences in fields such as public welfare coffee shops, art training for people with disabilities, and youth services. Additionally, they visited historical and cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Korea and the Gwangju National Museum, gaining insights into the historical development of Korea.
