PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This page gives an overview of the events in the in-person and online programmes of YMCA World Council. The full details of each event (times, venues, speakers, logistical details, etc.) will be available on the Attendee Hub and event app nearer the time.

Be part of a Movement-wide journey and an experience that began way before World Council, and which will end way after it. And for a week in July 2022, journey with us in an inspiring, varied, substantial and engaging programme.

One World Council - two experiences

Be prepared for programmes for the physical and the online events which will be both unique for each, and also at times overlapping. Choose your World Council experience options, and enjoy the flexibility to engage with the Programme in-person or virtually, or both.

This programme is evolving all the time and will be kept updated.

A dynamic agenda

The in-person programme builds around Plenary sessions in which Vision 2030 will be launched, keynote addresses will be given, officers elected, and reports presented. Five Co-Lab workshops over four days will see breakout groups build out the four pillars of Vision 2030. Engagement Panels will frame the Co-Lab discussions by exploring the four Vision 2030 pillars. Side-meetings will assemble groups by theme and region. A special time of Devotion each day will provide space for spiritual reflection. And of course there is downtime, and food time, and fun time in the evenings. 

The online programme will combine live discussions, presentations, and networking. Feeding into a library of on-demand and curated materials will be available before, during and after World Council. 

At-a-glance overview

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will celebrate the coming together of the Global Movement.  There will be performances and presentations, in spectacular events. We will look back, we will live in the moment, and we will go forward.

GOVERNANCE & BUSINESS SESSIONS
Timed so that a maximum number of time zones can attend via live streaming. Read more here.

NETWORKING/SIDE MEETINGS
Allowing maximum networking between all types of participants through virtual appointments and group meetings.

CO-LAB SESSIONS
Five Co-Lab workshops over four days will see breakout groups build out the four pillars of Vision 2030. Read more.

ENGAGEMENT PANELS
Engagement Panels will frame the Co-Lab discussions by exploring the four Vision 2030 pillars.
Read more.

DEVOTIONS

The 45-minute Daily Devotions offer a varied programme of inclusive Christian worship challenging us to ignite wholeness, hope, responsibility and dignity and celebrate our diverse worldwide family.

The daily themes are centred around the four Pillars of Impact for YMCA Vision 2030. Prepare to be inspired by energising house band worship, interactive prayers, different perspectives and devotional messages.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend, whatever their faith background.

MEET DENMARK
There are a number of important elements in the Danish cultural activities on offer at World Council. These include Aarhus walking tours and a ‘Welcome to Aarhus’ event at the Cathedral on Sunday 3 July, a selection of Excursions on Monday 4 July, a Danish cultural evening (with dinner) in the Old Town of Aarhus on Wednesday 6 July, the option of ‘Dinner-with-a-Dane’ on Thursday 7 July.
Read more

ACTIVITIES

Each morning and lunch break - and in the ‘free time’ break before dinner - our YMCA World Council Danish hosts will coordinate a programme of ‘turn up and take part’ activities.

These will range from morning runs and yoga sessions, to group singing, lawn games, camp games, exploring Danish treehouses, learning to ride a bike (the Aarhus way!), walks, basketball, football,spikeballand improv-comedy… Look out for details on the Programme.

SPECIAL EVENTS, including

• On Thursday 7 July, a Women’s Leadership Network lunch - listen to some of our outstanding YMCA female leaders, and meet your peers.  Learn about challenges met, opportunities to be built upon, and how women are slowly making much-needed progress in the global YMCA Movement.

AND MUCH MORE...

• Exhibitor spaces online and in Aarhus
• Incentive games with prizes
• Digital and physical tours of Aarhus
• Watch parties, in which local and national YMCA Movements all over the world can follow proceedings online, and debate them before and after

SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION
Remote simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish will ensure full inclusivity in all aspects of the conference.