YMCA 2022 Feburary Perspective
23-02-2022
Cover Story
A Closer Look at Sustainable Development
What are Sustainable Development Goals?
In September 2015, the United Nations published “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which stipulated a 15-year (2016-2030) universal blueprint for ending poverty and protecting our planet as well as assuring peace and prosperity for everyone. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are as follows:1. No Poverty; 2. Zero Hunger; 3. Good Health and Well-being; 4. Quality Education; 5. Gender Equality; 6. Clean Water and Sanitation; 7. Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9. Industry , Innovation and Infrastructure; 10. Reduced Inequalities; 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities; 12. Responsible Consumption and Production; 13. Climate Action; 14. Life below Water; 15. Life on Land; 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; 17. Partnerships for the Goals.
YMCA Strategy & Role
At present, the world is facing up to the uncertainties of global trends such as climate change, inequalities, urbanization, shifting demographics and technological innovation. In Hong Kong, we are confronted by similar challenges in ageing population and widening rift between generations. In order to maintain a healthy and stable growth in the 21st century, we need to identify and respond to these emerging risks and opportunities effectively. We also need to stay resilient and tackle these challenges with a sustainable development strategy.
To embrace and promote corporate social responsibility together with our stakeholders, we have commissioned a consulting firm to compile the first impact report 2019-20, where the concepts of “Environment, Social and Governance” are introduced into YMCA focusing on the UN 17 sustainable development goals. It has provided us with objective indicators to evaluate our performance on environmental protection, our service impacts in relation to sustainable development goals and the degree of transparency in our governance, and by that we are motivated to become a more sustainable non-government organisation (NGO). Being an arm of a multinational organisation, we are determined to make our services measure up to all sustainable development goals.
Becoming a pioneer among NGOs
Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong has grabbed the Grand Award of Excellence in Positive Social Impacts for its first impact report published last year in Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards. We are the only NGO on the shortlist and awarded the title. The purpose of this impact report is to set an example for industry counterparts to practice ESG and proactively share our ESG experience with community stakeholders, coworkers, members and partners. By doing so, we may be mutually encouraged and that more NGOs are inspired to get involved in and contribute to ESG practice. YMCA will forge ahead with the four main Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (health), SDG 4 (education), SDG 16 (peace) and SDG 17 (partnership), optimizing our social, education and hostel services and adjusting or adding on other SDGs through ongoing evaluation. Our vision is to serve the general public by upholding the motto, “to serve, not to be served” and most important, sustaining God’s creation.
What’s News
Voting opens for UCONIC Youth Design Award Scheme
UCONIC Youth Design Award Scheme, co-organised by University and College YMCA Department and the fashion brand, thecoopidea, invites pet owners to base their design of mobile phone accessories on the
theme, Daily Life of Cat/Dog Lovers: The Dearing Moments with Our “Masters” to enter into a competition. The winning designs will be turned into real products for sales online and on weekend market. The Final Ten has been picked for public voting now and you will have the opportunity to get the winning products. Poll will close on 4 March.
For voting, please visit shorturl.at/rACEL
Inquiry: [email protected] / 2431-1117(Ms. Chan)
Free trial for parent-child kinetic learning for YMCA members
In partnership with GOFA, a health- and fitness-focused tech star-up, we have brought our members a kinetic learning application “Luca & Friends”, to enhance parent-child interaction and to keep children motivated to learn with fun despite the pandemic.
This application, integrating exercises into school subjects including English, STEM and Sport, is a professional learning solution designed for children aged four to eight to increase their learning motivation and interests through its motion sensor techn
ology. The syllabus on this e-learning platform is the multifaceted product of a group of international school teachers for parents and schoolkids. Starting from now till 31 March, interested parties may scan the QR code and download the app for free trial.
Highlights of Our Activities
Young Members’ Council Pillar Art Project for Children with AD/HD
The Pillar Art Project, co-organised by Young Members’ Council and Hong Kong Association for AD/HD, was completed by the end of last year. Artists and our youth volunteers teamed up with 20 pairs of parents and children with AD/HD to get creative with the theme of four seasons and paint the porch pillars of Wu Kai Sha Youth Village with appealing colors. It was a fun-filled activity for parents and especially for children with AD/HA to brave the challenge and express the agility of their mind and artistic acumen. Members and colleagues, we encourage you to stop by and admire their artwork in your next visit.
New Year Celebration at Kornhill Centre
During January 22-28, we organised a new year celebration on zoom to share festive joy with families at Kornhill Centre and encourage them to show more care to their neighbors. A overwhelming response of 57 families participated in spring couplets and mini-tangerine paper tree design activities online and subsequently sent their handicrafts to elderly home residents as a loving act to cheer them up and bring them good luck. Parents and children both felt contented to be able to care for the community plagued by Covid-19 with this meaningful event.
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