On International Day of Peace YMCA Ireland commits itself to supporting young people across the world, both those who are living through conflict and who are campaigning for peace locally and globally. As an all-island organisation, YMCA Ireland will continue to create spaces that prioritise dialogue and mutual understanding.

As a youth-led organisation, we advocate for young voices to be platformed and draw attention to where young people’s fundamental rights are being flagrantly violated as is occurring daily in Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine. The recent United Nations report reminds us that to build a better present and a brighter future requires taking both meaningful and peaceful action to oppose the killing, starvation, discrimination and oppression of children and young people, their families and their communities across the world. 

We acknowledge the incredible work that friends and colleagues of the global YMCA movement are doing to build peace across the world. YMCA Gaza despite having lost its building almost two years ago continues to reach families. With the assistance of the wider YMCA movement which came together in an emergency appeal raising close to USD 100,000, food relief has reached approximately 380 families in Gaza city. Funds are still being raised to support the vital humanitarian aid needed in these regions. 

You can support the YMCA Gaza Appeal here

YMCA Ireland expresses its solidarity with YMCAs across the world that are serving people in communities most affected by conflict. YMCA Ireland will continue to provide global youth work opportunities and support youth advocates in Ireland and across the globe to push for policies, processes and actions that protect the most vulnerable and empower the voiceless. YMCA Ireland and YMCA East Jerusalem have brought young people together to discuss what peace and justice means to them and to show the togetherness of young people from around the world.

Peace is not passive. It holds urgency and it calls for action. It embodies friendship, hope, and celebration of each other. It means having the courage to have difficult conversations and to truly listen to one another. It means taking action even in the face of opposition. We are committed to ensuring that all young people, staff and volunteers become active global citizens committed to a fairer and more sustainable future for all. We continue to stand in solidarity, calling for better, from world leaders, from organisations and from ourselves.