To carry on the celebrations of YMCA’s 175th birthday, over 3,000 young people, staff, guests and volunteers from over 100 countries around the world, travelled to London to celebrate through a massive global gathering.
The opening ceremony featured keynote speaker United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, which kicked off on Sunday night 4 August. The evening was a moment of celebration, mixing historical memories with contemporary reflections, featuring stories from young people around the world, and celebrating through music, flag bearers, live performances, cyclists from France and drama - all celebrating our journey to this very moment - 175 years in the making.
“You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, you are the leaders of today,” Jayathma, a keynote speaker, encouraged young people on the opening night.
Watch recordings from the event here.