World YMCA Awards

Impact Awards

The Impact Awards were inaugurated at the YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa in October 2024 to honor projects and initiatives that embody a profound commitment to community development and social transformation. These awards serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate groundbreaking efforts across the global YMCA network, showcasing programs that create tangible, lasting change.

The Vision 2030 Pillar Awards are a core component of the Impact Awards, highlighting exemplary initiatives aligned with the key pillars of Vision 2030: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World. These awards celebrate diverse projects, from mental health rehabilitation in East Jerusalem to youth vocational training in Singapore, environmental advocacy in Hong Kong, and justice initiatives in Ghana.

The Youth-Led Solution Award is a testament to the YMCA's belief that young people have the most innovative solutions to the challenges their communities face. The 2024 winner, the YMCA Global Solutions Team—a collaboration between the USA and the Philippines—demonstrates this through grassroots climate education initiatives such as coral reef protection, reforestation, and environmental education.

Additionally, the Partner Impact Award acknowledges the critical role of external collaborators in driving YMCA’s mission. Deloitte Australia was recognized in 2024 for its partnership in producing two impactful reports addressing the global challenge of youth unemployment and reimagining meaningful work for young people.

The President’s Award

The President’s Award was first introduced at the YMCA World Council in Aarhus, Denmark, in 2022. This prestigious honor celebrates individuals who exhibit extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the YMCA movement. It recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to youth empowerment, community transformation, and the YMCA’s mission.

The inaugural award was presented to Alina Pop, the National General Secretary of YMCA Romania. Alina’s leadership embodies the core values of the YMCA, as she has worked tirelessly to create safe, inclusive spaces for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Her efforts have included the establishment of programs promoting human rights, youth advocacy, and community engagement, as well as providing vital support for Ukrainian refugees during the war. Alina’s vision, passion, and commitment to empowering young people and strengthening communities make her a shining example of the transformational leadership celebrated by the President’s Award.

Looking ahead to the next World Council in Toronto in 2026, the President’s Award will once again recognize and celebrate individuals who continue to lead with purpose, embodying the YMCA’s mission of service and empowerment.