YMCA is the largest international youth organization in the world having roots in more than 130 countries and aims at the over all welfare and development of spiritual, mental and physical well being of the people without any discrimination of caste, colour, sex, or race. It functions through its 15,000 units and 45 million members around the globe and seeks to share the Christian ideal of building a humane community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creatures.  The movement has rendered pioneering service in the sphere of education, sports, relief and refugee work, physical education, youth work, camping hostels, co-operative endeavors and rural reconstruction works.

Today globalization has led to the opening up of the national boundaries to international trade and global competition. Developments linked with globalization have opened up boundless possibilities for human development, enormous new opportunities and enhanced the quality of life for many people. The horizon of our perspectives has suddenly embraced the ‘the global village’ beyond the confines of our homes. While acknowledging its merits, we look at this process with much apprehension. The global village has become an order or mechanism for greater economic exploitation and political oppression.

The present carriers of the YMCA movement are called upon to address the contextual challenges brought by the negative impact of Globalization and the issues faced by our local community. The challenge 21 formulated by the World Alliance of YMCAs gives directional thrust for the YMCA based on the contextual realities of the society.