Special edition of the 21st YMCA World Council, 18-25 July 2026

4 Aug 2026

‘We are being asked to become the fullest expression of who we are’ – World Council comes to an end on final, frenetic day

25 Jul 2026

Canadian Astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield has commanded trips to space: Leadership lessons learned

24 Jul 2026

Navigating disruption by exploring the YMCA response

23 Jul 2026

‘A story of major transformation’: the 4-year YMCA journey 2022-2026 through the eyes of the President, the Secretary-General and the Treasurer

21 Jul 2026

Chris Lewis (Australia) elected World YMCA President 2026-2030, to head new Executive Committee

21 Jul 2026

What a welcome, what a welcome ceremony! Toronto and Canada open their arms to the global YMCA Movement

20 Jul 2026

The 21st YMCA World Council begins in Toronto on Sunday 19 July

14 Jul 2026

The biggest event in the global YMCA calendar is in sight! The 21st YMCA World Council will be held in Toronto from Sunday 19 to Friday 24 July and the theme is ‘Transform’.

On unity and diversity, on the ‘why?’ of the Y, and the celebration of our differences at World Council: a historian of the YMCA reflects

2 July 2026

World Council News #7: One month to go until World Council starts!

19 June 2026

The biggest event in the global YMCA calendar is in sight. 1300 people are coming, and over 100 partners and sponsors. We very much look forward to seeing you very soon.

The World Council Programme takes shape

18 June 2026

From wellbeing to climate action, peacebuilding, and migration, World Council 2026 is bringing together bold conversations that reflect the YMCA’s role in today’s world and the future we are building together.

Meet our World Council hosts!

16 June 2026

Jerahl Hall and Maria Fernanda (Mafe) Giraldo will compere three days of plenaries and breakouts at World Council, Wednesday to Friday

Back stage with the World Council ‘MC’: meet Ang Cuy

15 June 2026

My YMCA journey spans more than 30 years as a volunteer, staff member and contractor.

World Council delegates meet online for 2nd information webinar

2 June 2026

With 50 days to go until the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto, Canada on 19-25 July, and 1,300 delegates registered, World YMCA ran a second information webinar on 28 May.

World YMCA announces 2026 election candidates for Officers and Executive Committee members

21 MAY 2026

The Election Committee of the World YMCA has announced the candidates for the 2026 elections, which will be conducted at the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto on 21 July 2026.

World Council News #6: 70 days to go until World Council starts!

12 MAY 2026

This update brings you news of the 17 Excursions on offer on Tuesday 21 July, and many more practical and Programme details for the 21st YMCA World Council. Be sure to join the second information webinar on 28 May.

World Council News #5: The Road to Toronto: New venues announced, programme released

13 April 2026

This update brings you exciting venue reveals, the first World Council speakers announcement, the full week-long programme, and (if you missed it) a chance to catch up on the 26 March World Council webinar.

First two World Council speakers announced

10 April 2026

Two exceptional Canadians will keynote the AWS-presented Solutions Studios at YMCA World Council 2026 in Toronto, bringing powerful perspectives on leadership, transformation and navigating a rapidly changing world.

Over 400 gather for World Council webinar: “The YMCA pulls together”

27 March 2026

More than 400 people from across the global YMCA Movement tuned in to the first webinar on the World Council. Held every four years, the 21st World Council takes place 19-25 July 2026 in Toronto, Canada – less than four months away.

Register for World Council information webinars

24 March 2026

World YMCA is hosting information webinars on the upcoming World Council in Toronto, covering the programme, logistics, and what to expect. The first session takes place on 26 March 2026. A second session will be held on 28 May 2026.

Announcing the 2026 World YMCA Awards - nominations deadline, 16 March 2026!

11 February 2026

World YMCA is pleased to invite all YMCA National Movements and all YMCA Local Associations worldwide to make nominations for the 2026 World YMCA Awards, which will be made on the final day of World Council in Toronto on 24 July 2026.

World Council News #4: The Road to Toronto:

3 February 2026

We can officially say it - it’s happening this year! Each month, we share updates on the programme, governance and more to prepare you for July. With 1,200+ people registered to attend, it’s going to be big

Could you be a facilitator at World Council?

2 February 2026

We are looking for people who would be excited to help bring a new experience to life at World Council. You do not need to be an expert - so all are welcome.

YMCA World Council 2026 opens global call for content

15 October 2025

World YMCA has launched its global call for session proposals, speaker and project nominations ahead of the 21st YMCA World Council, taking place in Toronto, Canada in July 2026.

Transformation explored: 47 breakout sessions at the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto

25 Jul 2026

Habitat for Humanity International and World YMCA sign Memorandum of Agreement for global collaboration

23 Jul 2026

‘Sharing our collective treasure’ – Niger and Ukraine join World YMCA as 21st World Council gets underway in Toronto

19 Jul 2026

World Council News #3

World Council 2026 is taking shape! Secure your Early Bird place before 19 December for special rates. Be part of the YMCA’s biggest global gathering in Toronto.

18 September 2025

Dr. Marie Wilson: Leading with purpose for reconciliation and transformation

23 Jul 2026

World Council News #2

30 July 2025

The countdown is on! With just one year to go until the YMCA World Council 2026 in Toronto, the excitement is building across the global Movement.

World Council News #1

Get ready for the YMCA’s largest global gathering! Early Bird registration opens on 21 July 2025, with special rates for young people, eligible countries, and retirees.

2 July 2025