The YMCA of Spain, our conference host, is looking forward to welcoming the YMCA World Urban Network and is confident that participants will have a great learning and cultural experience.

The conference “Changing Lives, Moving Forward” has three themes:  Diversity and Integration, chaired by Medhat Mahdy, CEO of the Toronto YMCA; Growth and Sustainability, chaired by Jack Lund, CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York; and Impact and Communication, chaired by Dave Ball, CEO of the Romford  YMCA. Keynotes, panel discussions, case studies, and round table discussions all promise an abundant opportunity for participants to both learn and share their wealth of experience. Pedro Fueyo Diaz the CEO of our host YMCA will chair one day in which we will tour some of the Spanish YMCA program sites in Madrid.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from Johan Eltvik, Secretary General of the World Alliance, on what he sees as YMCA challenges and opportunities in dynamic urban centers throughout the world. Panelists will highlight the changing landscape of social innovation/private-public partnerships, mergers and acquisitions as a way to grow, and the rising tide of social bonds and