In his welcome remarks, Pastor Jon Dave Angeles, Vice Chair for youth from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) addressed the audience saying that “I believe that it is essential for us as young people to amplify our voices not just within our local communities, but also in our churches and councils, so that we can truly embody our role as leaders.”

The overarching objective of the weeklong meeting is to strengthen the commission’s role in the ecumenical movement by reinforcing its foundation and guiding members toward effective collaboration. Throughout the gathering, participants will re-examine the role of young people within the WCC, focusing on their unique contributions as faith-driven advocates for justice, reconciliation, and unity. Discussions will explore the mandates of the WCC 11th Assembly and the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, aligning the commission’s mission with broader ecumenical goals.

Karen Erina Puimera, YPEM moderator, who is from the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia, expressed that “the in-person meeting brings a whole different vibe and message. In the past months, we’ve been connecting online, whether through teleconference or social media, but being here face-to-face is different. When we share our stories and experiences in person, it feels like we’re building a stronger sense of unity and understanding. Even though we’re young leaders from around the world that represent our local contexts, coming together here feels like we’re part of one fellowship, one family under the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement commission.”

Puimera added: “Even with our differences, we’ve found a common ground on issues we’re all facing, both global and local. By being open about our vulnerabilities rather than ignoring them, I think we’re creating genuine connections and building resilience together, pushing back against injustices that impact young people. Although we come from such diverse backgrounds, we share the same vision of creating a fellowship that’s meaningful and relevant to young people, and at the same time it is also rooted in and growing through Christ’s love.”

To build unity and camaraderie among commission members, sessions will include team-building activities, biblical-theological reflections, and group discussions on WCC structures and programs. Members will engage in a “pilgrimage encounter” with faith-based organizations and local ecumenical churches, providing a firsthand experience of justice and unity efforts in action.

“I am grateful to be part of this gathering as a member of the youth commission, representing the Romanian Orthodox Church. Through my involvement in the various activities of this meeting, I hope to collaborate with other young people to identify our shared vision regarding our role within the church and in society, as well as the role of Christianity in today’s world. However, we must always remember that the Christian way of transforming the world is not an exterior one, through activism and revolution, but through the inner transformation of each person according to the model of Christ. This personal transformation naturally leads to the transformation of the world,” expressed Dr Cosmin Iulian Cîrstea, assistant professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology and Educational Sciences in Târgoviște.