As a student-based organization on the regional level, the significance of this movement’s existence lies in its crucial role in supporting its members, fostering communication, facilitating networking, and establishing international partnerships. In alignment with this vision, the Asia Pacific Council 2023 took place under the theme: “Organizational Strengthening and Movement Building”, spanning from June 28th to July 2nd at the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The council convened 43 participants, with 39 attending in person and 4 joinings online, representing 11 distinct countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This diverse assembly encompassed movement leaders, chaplains, animators, and commission members. The program achieved successful realization through collaborative efforts with the North-South Initiative (NSI) and the invaluable contributions of student leaders within the Asia Pacific work-in commission.
The program agenda encompassed both study and statutory sessions. The study sessions centred on enhancing organizational strength and fostering movement growth, while the statutory sessions aimed to ratify, deliberate, and strategize for the upcoming three-year coordination plan. A key factor in the effective functioning of this council was the active involvement of students, chaplains, animators, and alumni. Leveraging the insights shared by alumni proved inspirational for the students, while the presence of national, regional, and international chaplains significantly enriched the spiritual dimension and shared guidance. Ultimately, the in-person gathering provided students with invaluable opportunities to take on leadership roles, moderate discussions, establish connections, and facilitate sessions.
The session spanned two days, encompassing a diverse array of activities including workshops, panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sharing sessions. Recognizing the wealth of human resources within IMCS, the workshops were skillfully guided by alumni, chaplains, and board members of IMCS AP, all of whom possess expertise in specific subject areas. Through these workshops, these seasoned individuals imparted their experiences of their journey with IMCS across local, national, regional, and international domains, aiming to ignite inspiration among the attending students. The responsibility of training our youth was aptly embraced by the session hall, ice breakers, and the moderation of each session, all expertly overseen by student delegates and commission members. Parallel to the workshops, a stimulating panel discussion featured student leaders from national movements and contact groups, who were present both physically and virtually at the council.
This platform provided an opportunity for them to candidly share their current realities, confront challenges, and elaborate on their unique journeys. Further enriching the session, IMCS AP’s Work-in commissions took the stage to present their accomplishments over the past two years. This presentation also functioned as an encouragement for leaders of national movements and contact groups, urging them to actively involve their members in these commissions. Concluding the session, each country was accorded the space to introduce and delve into their respective movement and group activities, projects, initiatives, and locally and nationally pertinent issues.