14th YMCAs National Leaders Conference

14^th YMCA National Leaders Conference



The 14^th National Leaders Conference of Bangladesh YMCAs held on 8-9 December 2006 at YMCA Training Center, Savar, Dhaka. This was organized by the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh. Rev. Samuel D. Stephens, President of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs and Deputy President of the World Alliance of YMCAs was the Chief Guest of the occasion. Mr. Bill Harte, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow YMCA was present as a Special Guest at the Conference. Mr. Marcel A. Gomes, President of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh presided over the Opening Ceremony. 44 leaders from the local YMCAs including the Presidents, General Secretaries and Representatives participated at the conference. Mr. Duncan Chowdhury, National General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh in his message requested the YMCA Leaders to prove by their thoughts and action that YMCA is a humanitarian movement and works to establish justice and peace in the society. At the Conference, Rev. Samuel D. Stephens, spoke on the theme of the, “YMCA Mission and Social Relevance”. Rev. Martin Adhikary, Associate Director, Leprosy Mission, Bangladesh, spoke on the “The Ecumenical Movement and its endeavor in Bangladesh”, Dr. Alo D. Rozario, Executive Director Caritas Bangladesh outlined the challenges and opportunities of the “Christians in Bangladesh”, and Mr. Bill Harte, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow YMCA, Scotland shared his experiences in the YMCA for the past forty years. The sessions brought new insights for the participants Mr. Marcel A. Gomes, President of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh in his closing note proclaimed that it is imperative of us to promote & empower youth and women leadership in order to establish a just society. He requested to all leaders to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and act accordingly to strengthen the YMCA Movement.
		Rev. Samuel D. Stephens


		Mr. Marcel A. Gomes


		Mr. Bill Harte


		Mr. Duncan Chowdhury


Presidents, General Secretaries and Representatives of the local YMCAs participated at the Conference