Since the outbreak of war in February 2022, YMCA-YWCA Denmark has deepened its long-standing collaboration with YMCA Ukraine, providing crucial financial, logistical, and moral support to communities affected by the conflict. Through fundraising efforts—including donations from The Solidarity 10’er—the organization has helped fund youth programs, emergency relief efforts, and local initiatives supporting displaced families.
The partnership is particularly strong with YMCA Lviv, where efforts have focused on psychosocial support, youth-led activities, and community-building projects. YMCA-YWCA Denmark has also facilitated exchange programs and volunteer engagement, ensuring that young people in both countries can learn from and support one another.
Beyond immediate relief, the focus remains on long-term resilience and youth empowerment. By strengthening local YMCA initiatives, YMCA-YWCA Denmark is helping ensure that Ukrainian youth continue to have opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and a sense of hope despite the challenges they face.
In December 2024, YMCA-YWCA Denmark received a 4.4 million DKK grant from CISU's Neighborhood Fund to launch the "Voices of Defenders" project in collaboration with YMCA Lviv. This initiative aims to support young activists, including war volunteers and veterans in Lviv, by providing them with tools to foster change in their communities during and after the ongoing conflict.
For over 25 years, YMCA-YWCA Denmark has been engaged in solidarity and partnership work in Palestine, fostering connections between young people across borders. Through collaboration with YWCA Palestine and East Jerusalem YMCA, the movement supports initiatives that empower youth, promote social justice, and create opportunities for education and leadership in a region marked by ongoing conflict.
One of the key aspects of this work is raising awareness and facilitating dialogue about the realities faced by Palestinian youth. YMCA-YWCA Denmark has organized study trips, youth exchanges, and advocacy efforts, enabling Danish members to experience firsthand the challenges and resilience of their peers in Palestine.
Even as political tensions have escalated, the commitment to solidarity, empowerment, and human rights remains strong. YMCA-YWCA Denmark continues to advocate for a just and peaceful future, supporting projects that provide safe spaces, educational programs, and leadership training for young people in Palestine.
ERASMUS+ – Strengthening International Engagement
In 2025, YMCA-YWCA Denmark received Erasmus+ accreditation in the youth sector, reinforcing its role as a key player in international youth exchange and capacity-building. This accreditation provides long-term funding access for cross-border learning opportunities, making it easier to expand global initiatives and strengthen partnerships.
With this framework, YMCA-YWCA Denmark can:
Facilitate more international participation in events like Wonderful Days.
Expand programs such as Globetrotter journeys and Journey for Justice.
Develop new exchange formats tailored to youth engagement and social impact.
The accreditation aligns with the organization’s global strategy, ensuring that young people gain intercultural competencies, leadership experience, and opportunities for democratic participation. It also supports a stronger network of international partners, making collaboration more sustainable and impactful.
