INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS (IMCS) ASIA PACIFIC UPDATE ACTIVITY FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2025
1. Women Leaders Unite to Advance Inclusion and Justice Through IMCS Pax Romana’s RISE 2025
On October 15, 2025, IMCS Asia Pacific marked the International Day of Rural Women with the virtual gathering “RISE: Resilient, Inclusive, Strong, Empowered Women Leaders.” The event brought together women leaders from different regions to affirm women’s leadership in promoting justice, inclusion, and community development.
Aligned with IMCS Pax Romana’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, the gathering featured reflections, inspiring testimonies, and an interactive panel on breaking barriers and building support systems. Participants reaffirmed that when women support one another, meaningful transformation and hope are strengthened.
2. IMCS Pax Romana Leaders Strengthen Engagement with Cardinal Sebastian Francis
Mr. William Nokrek, International President of IMCS Pax Romana, together with Ms. Ann Beatrice, Regional Lay Female Chaplain, met with Cardinal Sebastian Francis in Penang to strengthen collaboration on youth leadership and faith formation. The meeting highlighted Cardinal Francis’s enduring connection with IMCS Pax Romana and his continued commitment to accompanying young people.
Discussions focused on advancing shared initiatives, particularly the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC) as a space for inclusive formation, leadership development, and community outreach. The encounter reaffirmed the shared mission of IMCS Pax Romana and the Church in empowering youth to work for justice, peace, and integral human development.
3. Experts Across Asia Address Children’s Mental Health in Times of Crisis
On 28 October 2025, the International Youth Training Center (IYTC), together with IMCS Asia Pacific, Christian Advocates for Justice and Development in Negros (CADJEN), Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children (SPCC), and Opportunity Village Nepal (OVN), hosted the Expert’s Forum on Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being in Times of Crisis, themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
The forum brought together psychologists, educators, public health professionals, and humanitarian practitioners to reflect on the impact of pandemics, conflicts, and natural disasters on children’s mental health. Ms. Coleen Dolina-Anugon, RSW, MSW, highlighted that anxiety, fear, confusion, and withdrawal are normal responses to abnormal situations, while emphasizing the importance of resilience through stable relationships, supportive communities, and consistent caregiving.
Participants emphasized the need to create protective environments in homes, schools, and communities, and concluded with a shared commitment to continue safeguarding children’s mental health and well-being through collective care and action.
4. Young Catholic Leaders Reflect on Building a Church for the Poor, Rooted in Justice
On October 30, young Catholic leaders gathered virtually for the fall online roundtable “Dreaming of a Church for the Poor: Dorothy Day and Dilexi Te.” The discussion brought together Dr. Kelly Johnson, Fr. Michael Thomas, Dawn McCarty, and special guest Marcellino Monareh of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana.
Marcellino, a student activist from Indonesia, shared reflections shaped by his involvement in Catholic student and youth movements. He emphasized intellectual formation, social justice, and solidarity with marginalized communities as essential to building a Church that truly journeys with the poor.
The roundtable provided a reflective space to engage with Dilexi Te, Pope Leo XIV’s first papal document. In his reflection, Marcellino reminded participants that poverty is not merely a condition but a place of encounter where faith is tested and transformed. He stressed that love must be expressed through justice rooted in mercy, and that commitment to the poor is not optional but central to Christian discipleship.
The gathering concluded with a renewed sense of faith, courage, and shared commitment to building a Church that listens, accompanies, and stands in solidarity with the poor.
5. Championing Civic Resilience & Global Solidarity: IMCS Pax Romana Youth Leaders at the CIVICUS Youth Assembly
Representing IMCS Pax Romana, Suman Ghale and Titi Maya Ghale of the International Youth Training Center (IYTC) actively participated in the CIVICUS Youth Assembly, a global platform for young leaders and youth-led civil society organizations to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and address pressing global challenges. Held alongside the CIVICUS International Civil Society Week (ICSW), the Assembly emphasized inclusive, sustainable,
and rights-based approaches to civic engagement.
At the Assembly, Suman and Titi focused on cross-cultural collaboration, digital literacy, and youth-led initiatives as key tools to strengthen civic participation and social accountability. Sessions highlighted the importance of safe and participatory spaces for youth to share perspectives, co-design solutions, and translate advocacy into tangible community impact. Discussions underscored digital empowerment, human rights–based development, and collective leadership as essential to meaningful civic action.
The Youth Assembly concluded with the adoption of the Youth Manifesto, a unifying declaration committing young leaders to address civic risks, adopt strategic responses, and promote social action through sustainable systems and inclusive collaboration. Suman and Titi reaffirmed that the future of civic engagement depends on strong youth networks that connect, innovate, and sustain, embodying a generation committed to justice, solidarity, and democratic renewal.
6. Youth Leaders and Faith Communities Gather at the Catholic Social Forum
On 5 November 2025, the Catholic Social Forum (CSF) was held virtually as a side event to the UN Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), bringing together youth leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil-society advocates worldwide. Organized by Pax Romana with Catholic, ecumenical, and interfaith partners, the forum provided a platform to share strategies and collaborative efforts on justice, peace, and sustainable development.
Speakers highlighted the role of youth-led and faith-based organizations in promoting justice, peace, ecological care, and support for marginalized communities. They also addressed global challenges including debt justice, climate finance, migration, labor rights, and ethical leadership, emphasizing how coordinated action can advance human dignity and sustainable development.
The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration, dialogue, and action, reaffirming the commitment of youth and faith communities to promote justice, solidarity, and sustainable solutions beyond the event.
7. IMCS Asia Pacific Supports Dinajpur Youth Conference
On 30 November 2025, IMCS Asia Pacific visited the Diocese of Dinajpur during the diocesan youth conference, where forty young participants from five units shared experiences and discussed a strategic action plan under the theme: “Strengthening the movement through self-development and social commitment of the youth society. Empowering the future.”
Suman Ghale from IMCS Asia Pacific highlighted the participants’ dedication to self-development and their commitment to strengthening the youth movement. The visit also included meetings with leaders from the Bangladesh Catholic Students’ Movement (BCSM), Jesuit priests from St. Xavier’s International School and Retreat House, the Dom Antonio Pastoral Center, and the Episcopal Commission on Youth to explore further collaboration.
8. Global Youth Voices Unite to End Violence Against Women and Build Safer Spaces for All
This year, the “Voice for Her Freedom” 16-day campaign was launched to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and to promote safe digital spaces where dignity and freedom are protected. Organized with IYTC, the campaign gathers reflections from women and youth leaders worldwide, amplifying their voices and experiences.
Reflections emphasized the importance of respect and empathy in digital spaces, supporting survivors of violence, celebrating women’s leadership and contributions, encouraging men to create safer spaces, and upholding dignity in all interactions.
The campaign also promotes four core practices for safe digital spaces: think before posting, use polite language, respect privacy, and offer support to victims. By fostering respectful and supportive spaces, the initiative aims to protect freedom, empower women and girls, and ensure safety for all.
9. IMCS Asia Pacific Opens 2025–2026 Commission Term with Training and Orientation
On 29–30 November 2025, the IMCS Asia Pacific Commission officially began its 2025–2026 term with a two-day virtual Training and Orientation, bringing together representatives from several national movements. The sessions introduced new commission members to IMCS Pax Romana’s mission, its role as a global Catholic student movement, and the structure of the Asia Pacific region.
Members were oriented on their roles, responsibilities, and coordination processes, including communication protocols, documentation, and portfolio assignments. They also participated in reflective discussions connecting leadership, social engagement, and international advocacy with Catholic social teaching and Pope Leo’s Dilexit Te.
The training concluded with a unified understanding of the commission’s direction for the term. Members are now equipped to carry out their portfolios, strengthen regional coordination, and support the growth of national movements across Asia and the Pacific.
10. IMCS Asia Pacific Holds National Transformative Leadership Program in Dhaka
From 3–7 December 2025, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific organized the National Transformative Leadership Program in Dhaka. The program engaged students in input sessions, group discussions, and Spark Tank social projects, aiming to train leaders committed to peace, justice, and transformative social action.
Participants were guided and inspired by Ms. Anne Beatrice and Mr. William Nokrek, along with the Bangladesh Catholic Students Movement team, reflecting on self-development and strategies for social transformation.
11. IMCS Pax Romana Asia Pacific and IYTC Conclude 16-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women
The “Voice for Her Freedom” 16-day campaign concluded with a renewed commitment to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and to create safer spaces, including digital environments, where dignity and freedom are protected.
Reflections from youth and women leaders emphasized that violence against women can take many visible and invisible forms, but its impact is always deeply human. They highlighted that freedom begins with dignity, including the right to walk, speak, study, believe, and dream without fear, and that respect, consent, and safety must shape every space—at home, in communities, institutions, and online.
The campaign reaffirmed the importance of listening to survivors, challenging harmful attitudes, and taking meaningful action. IMCS Pax Romana Asia Pacific and the International Youth Training Center close the campaign committed to standing with women and girls and building a future where courage replaces fear and compassion overcomes cruelty.
12. IMCS Pax Romana Asia Pacific Marks International Human Rights Day 2025
On 10 December 2025, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific celebrated International Human Rights Day, inviting everyone to stand in solidarity for the safety and rights of Human Rights Defenders.
In a world challenged by war, conflict, corruption, and violence, IMCS reaffirmed its commitment to harmony, communal love, peace, and reconciliation, empowering young people to become agents of social change.
The theme for this year, “Our Daily Essentials,” highlights that human rights are not abstract ideals, but fundamental necessities that safeguard dignity, safety, and well-being.
13. IMCS Pax Romana Asia Pacific Holds Asia Pacific Council 2025
On 12–13 December 2025, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific successfully convened the Asia Pacific Council (APC) 2025 online, with active participation from student leaders, chaplains, and partners across the region.
National Movements, Contact Groups, and collaborators shared reports, reflections, and visions, enriching collective discernment and strengthening regional solidarity.
The Council marked an important step in shaping 2026 regional priorities and preparing for PAPA 2026, grounded in faith, justice, peace, and care for our common home.
14. IMCS Pax Romana Conducts Global Advocacy Training 2025
On 20 December 2025, the Global Advocacy Training (GAT) 2025 took place under the theme “Building Global Student Advocates through the Spirituality of Action.” The training provided young leaders a space for reflection, growth, and discernment, connecting local realities to global advocacy efforts.
Participants explored advocacy at local, national, and international levels, including the roles of faith-based movements, youth networks, and global institutions such as the UN, while learning practical tools such as research, storytelling, digital mobilization, coalition-building, and engagement with decision-makers.
The program culminated in participants presenting individual advocacy action plans, translating learning into purposeful action within their communities. GAT 2025 strengthened a community of young advocates committed to justice, peace, and human dignity, reflecting IMCS Pax Romana’s focus on forming thoughtful, inclusive, and action-oriented youth leaders.
IMCS Pax Romana acknowledged the support of the Coordination Team, UN Advocacy Team, and facilitators Mr. Christopher Dekki, Kevin Ahern, PhD, Dr. Sameh Kamel, and Mr. Hirotaka Koike, whose guidance enriched the learning experience.
15. IMCS Asia Pacific Celebrates Christmas 2025 with Hope and Solidarity
On 21 December 2025, the IMCS Asia Pacific family gathered online for a Christmas celebration, bringing together national movements, contact groups, chaplains, and friends from across the region. The event featured prayer, song, and shared greetings, creating a space of warmth, faith, and companionship.
Movement leaders, including William Nokrek, Fr. Jojo, and Fr. Pangkoj, shared messages reflecting on Christ’s birth and the call to live out faith through peace, justice, compassion, and solidarity, particularly with marginalized communities.
The celebration included musical performances and greetings from friends, concluding with a shared photo moment that captured the unity and gratitude of the IMCS Asia Pacific community. The gathering reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to faith, service, and solidarity as it moves into the new year.
