The road to Toronto: your World Council update: April
World Council News #5 - 13 April 2026
This update brings you exciting venue reveals, the first World Council keynote speakers, the full week-long programme, and (if you missed it) a chance to catch up on the 26 March World Council webinar.
Information webinars
Watch back: First World Council webinar sets the stage for Toronto 2026
‘This is a jigsaw of many, many pieces that we are assembling’
Kerry Reilly, World YMCA Global Events Coordinator
Over 300 YMCA leaders from around the world joined the webinar to hear about governance, programming, and logistics for the 21st World Council. Key highlights included reflections on the Movement’s journey under Vision 2030, the overview and launch of the week-long programme with Solution Studios, practical travel and finance guidance, and a live Q&A to answer participants’ questions.
Register for the second World Council orientation webinar
Learn more about your arrival experience, the Canadian host movement, programme reveals, the city of Toronto, its people and culture, as well as some of the more practical arrangements, and what to expect as the event draws near on Thursday 28 May, 12:00-13:30 UTC (13:00 BST, 14:00 CEST).
Programme
The World Council programme is here
The full six-day World Council outline is now available in three languages, giving you a clear view of every high-level block from Sunday 19 to Friday 24 July.
From the Welcome and Opening Ceremonies, through Governance sessions, Elections, Excursions, and the core of the Solutions Studios, presented by AWS, you can now start planning your week, your networking, and the side meetings that matter most.
First speakers speakers announced
As the world continues to be shaped by disruption, World Council will focus on people as the drivers of transformation.
We will learn from journalist and public administrator Marie Wilson, who served as a Commissioner of the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as a champion of indigenous inclusion and reflection.
Then, from former astronaut and International Space Station Commander Colonel Chris Hadfield on leading with clarity and courage in times of uncertainty, sponsored by George Weston Limited.
Logistics
Complete Your Travel and Visa Details
You can now update your flight details and visa status in the registration portal.
Simply log in, select “Modify Registration,” and review your details. You will be prompted to start at the acknowledgement page and work your way through your registration from start to finish.
This is also an opportunity to review all your details and ensure your information is accurate throughout.
You can then add any required visa updates in Section 3 and your flight information in Section 4.
Our hosts: YMCA Canada
Experience Canadian hospitality and culture with new iconic Toronto venues announced
During World Council week, delegates are invited to Canada House, a series of evening social events at some of Toronto’s most exciting and unique venues.
Each night showcases a different region of Canada, offering the chance to connect with YMCA colleagues while celebrating the country’s rich culture in unforgettable settings.
Venues include Little Canada, an immersive miniature world bringing iconic landmarks to life; the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to an outstanding collection of Canadian and international art in a stunning architect-designed space; and Chef's Hall a lively downtown food hall bringing together a range of local chefs and global cuisines under one roof.
The week culminates with the closing party and dinner at the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrating Canada’s beloved national pastime in a one-of-a-kind venue.
Governance
Elections: President, Officers, Executive Committee members
As a reminder, voting delegates should arrive in Toronto on Saturday, 18 July, as the first Governance session begins at 08:45 am the following day.
Later that day, all delegates will get an opportunity to meet the candidates standing in the elections.
Dates for diaries: Ahead of World Council, there will be two webinars, one for candidates on Saturday 25 April, and for voting delegates on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June. Details will be shared directly with these groups.
History & Your Voices
Looking back at one person’s experience of 7 World Councils
Claude-Alain Danthe attended seven World Councils: read his reflections on why he thinks the World Council is the greatest event of all in the worldwide YMCA calendar.
“We took the time to rediscover ourselves, to re-examine our perspectives, and sometimes to reinvent ourselves.”