In July 2026, YMCA Canada will proudly host the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto. This will mark the first time this international convention will be held in Canada.
The Leaders Circle team would like to highlight YMCA Canada’s critical role in bringing this important global meeting to Toronto. This major event will showcase YMCA Canada’s exceptional work and its ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Canadians across the country. It will also create important economic and social legacies in our vibrant city.
To gain deeper insight into the significance of hosting the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto, we asked YMCA Canada to share their experience with the bidding process and to reflect on the impact this meeting will have on both their organization and our community.
Q: What inspired YMCA Canada to lead the bidding process?
A: The decision to lead the bidding process for this event stemmed from Canada’s longstanding commitment to the YMCA movement and its active role in global YMCA initiatives. Hosting the World Council in Toronto offers an opportunity to strengthen international relationships, share best practices, and highlight Canada’s contributions to the YMCA’s mission of youth empowerment and community development. This event also aligns with YMCA Canada’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its reach. YMCA Canada stands ready to work with the World YMCA to provide leadership in logistics, programming, and implementation for World Council 2026.
Q: Who did YMCA Canada collaborate with to submit the bid?
A: YMCA Canada, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Toronto and with support from Destination Toronto, officially submitted the bid to host the 21st World Council of YMCAs in Toronto.
Q: How will attendees from YMCAs from around the globe collaborate or share ideas at the meeting?
A: World council both celebrates and accelerates the progress we are making to deliver on YMCA Vision 2030. It’s a unique chance to share – within this global movement, and with the growing numbers of partners who work with us. It’s a chance to witness and learn from our country Ys and those around the world the challenges and celebrations. There are a number of formal and informal opportunities throughout the weeklong event for delegates to converse, meet and discuss their ideas, experiences and engage with others they normally would not.
Q: What is your estimate on attendee registration numbers?
A: We estimate between 1,200 – 1,500 delegates to register and attend from over 100 different countries for this event.
Q: What impact will this meeting have for YMCA Canada? What legacies can we anticipate the meeting will create?
A: We are looking forward to 2026 with anticipation and excitement, as the Canadian YMCA will celebrate its 175th anniversary. It will also be an opportunity to further strengthen the YMCA’s global efforts towards community wellbeing, meaningful employment, a sustainable planet, and a just world at the mid-way point of Vision 2030. Our intention is to ensure the pledges and goals articulated for the YMCA in Vision 2030 frame the approach to and experience of World Council 2026. We will unite the global YMCA movement together around our shared values to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world. The world needs the YMCA more than ever, and in 2026, we intend to welcome the world to Toronto, and show just how true this is.
Short-Term Impacts:
- Enhanced Visibility: The event will spotlight YMCA Canada’s role within the global YMCA movement, potentially attracting increased support and recognition.
- Capacity Building: Engaging with international delegates offers opportunities for staff and volunteers to exchange ideas, leading to immediate improvements in programs and services.
- Community Engagement: Local communities can participate in the council’s activities, fostering a deeper connection with YMCA’s mission and values.
Long-Term Impacts:
- Strengthened Global Partnerships: Hosting the council is expected to solidify YMCA Canada’s relationships with international counterparts, facilitating collaborative projects and resource sharing.
- Alignment with Vision 2030: The council will emphasize YMCA Vision 2030, encouraging Canadian YMCAs to align their strategies with this global framework, ensuring relevance and impact in future initiatives.
- Leadership Development: Exposure to global best practices and leadership models is likely to cultivate a new generation of leaders within YMCA Canada, driving sustained organizational growth and innovation.
In summary, hosting the World Council is poised to bolster YMCA Canada’s mission by enhancing its global standing, enriching its programs, and ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the international YMCA community.
Q: What advice do you have for other organizations and/ or experts who would like to bring an international meeting to Toronto?
A: Start early. It always takes longer than you think when planning a large event such as this.
Think big, and overestimate the costs vs. underestimate.
Involve and work with the existing partners like Destination Toronto or conference services/tourism/hospitality services on what’s available and use their expertise.
Q: YMCA Canada has received a Leaders Circle Research Grant. What is the research grant project that has been awarded?
A: The YMCA Global Movement is committed to becoming a greener movement, an active youth voice on climate justice and champion of youth-led sustainability solutions by 2030. The YMCA will take steps towards becoming a climate sustainable movement, building a strategic roadmap through a volunteer task force, that will allow all Canadian YMCAs to make measurable and meaningful progress in their policies and practices based on local realities. The World Council will be our first attempt to host a more sustainable event and start our work under Vision 2030’s sustainability pillar of impact. These grant funds will help us establish the strategy and how we move forward.