YMCA.mk participated in a Western Balkan YMCA meeting hosted by YMCA Thessaloniki from 26–28 March 2026. The conference brought together other YMCA representatives from Gabrovo (Bulgaria), Kosovo, and Serbia to exchange best practices and explore opportunities for stronger regional cooperation.

Representing YMCA.mk were Viktor Iliev, Executive Director, and Ellen Kussman, Peace Corps Volunteer. Their participation underscored YMCA.mk’s dedication to continuous learning and regional partnership as it works to expand its impact on young people in Macedonia.

As one of Europe’s longest-established and most successful YMCA organizations, founded in 1921, YMCA Thessaloniki hosted the in-depth learning and collaboration event. The primary goal of the meeting was to examine effective operational models and program strategies while identifying areas for partnership among Western Balkan YMCAs.

The program began with a welcoming meeting involving colleagues from YMCA Thessaloniki’s Camping and European Projects Department, along with members of its leadership team. Participants were introduced to the organization’s structure, mission delivery, and long-standing community impact.

A central component of the meeting was a detailed discussion on YMCA Thessaloniki’s business models and economic activities. Participants explored how the organization sustains its operations through diversified revenue streams, including membership programs, camps, and community activities, while maintaining a strong focus on youth development and social responsibility.

The YMCA.mk delegation also joined a guided tour of the organization’s sports facilities, gaining insight into the scale and quality of its infrastructure. A highlight of the visit was a tour of the Basketball Museum, where participants learned about the history of basketball and its deep roots within the YMCA movement. The museum’s curator provided a comprehensive overview of the exhibits and their significance.

An informal roundtable discussion brought together youth workers and volunteers involved in the Leadership Academy, Leaders-in-Training program, and camps. This interactive session encouraged the sharing of practical experiences, challenges, and innovative approaches to youth engagement and leadership development.

Further discussions focused on membership models, design and delivery of camps and children’s programs, and strategies for strengthening cooperation with private sector partners and local authorities. Participants also examined various revenue-generating activities that can enhance organizational sustainability across the region.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of connection among Western Balkan YMCAs and a shared vision for advancing youth development through cooperation, innovation, and sustainable practices.