YMCA Speaks On Behalf of Worldwide Youth-Led Organizations
To mark the end of the United Nations-sponsored International Year of Youth (http://social.un.org/youthyear/), the UN General Assembly has convened a High Level Meeting (HLM) on youth with the overarching theme of “Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding.” Mr. Joseph Deiss, President of the General Assembly, has appointed the YMCA to deliver a speech on behalf of youth-led organizations around the world.
Romulo Dantas, Executive Secretary for Youth Empowerment, World Alliance of YMCAs, delivered a message on the critical challenges facing young people and the important role organizations like the YMCA play in investing in and partnering with youth to address social issues. He shared his story of growing up in a dangerous neighborhood outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and how the YMCA became his refuge, a place where he developed confidence and the skills to lead, inspire and give back to his community.
Dantas shared the stage with Mr. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General; and Mr. Josepf Deiss, former President of Switzerland and current President of the UN General Assembly; and Ms. Alek Wek, model, humanitarian and author from South Sudan. The speech took place during the HLM opening ceremony on Monday, July 25, 2011, and was attended by heads of state, dignitaries and official delegates of the UN Member States. At the close of the meeting, the UN Member States will adopt an outcome document that will shape youth public policies and programs in all member countries.
The YMCA is honored to represent youth organizations worldwide and to share the Y’s commitment to helping young people reach their full potential.
- All of the speeches are now posted on the UN’s multimedia site at http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/c/youthmeeting2011.html
- To view the speech from Romulo Dantas, Executive Secretary for Youth Empowerment, World Alliance of YMCAs, click on this link: http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2011/07/romulo-dantas-ymca-brazil-2011-high-level-meeting-on-youth-110th-plenary-meeting.html
About the Global YMCA Movement
Founded in 1844 in London, England, the YMCA has grown into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world, serving 45 million people in more than 125 countries. As an interconnected global network, the Y has the resources and solutions to build bridges and make our communities stronger worldwide. Often operating in challenging social, economic and political environments, Ys deliver innovative solutions to meet community need and empower people with the skills and opportunities to create a better future for themselves and their families.