After four memorable days of fellowship, learning, culture and celebration, the 75th International Convention of Y’s Men International came to a close in Penang on Sunday, 13 September.
The final morning began with the Blue Music Choir, followed by a prayer from Beng Seng Chan, General Secretary of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, before attention turned firmly towards the future of YMI.
A major focus of the morning was YMI Dreams, presented by Tom Massey and Lori Swann of Triangle2. Drawing on responses collected from clubs around the world, the presentation explored what YMI club members see as priorities for the future and challenged leaders to think about their role as connectors between YMI, the YMCA, their clubs and the wider communities they serve.
The research revealed a particularly strong emphasis on fellowship and togetherness, alongside youth and children, support for vulnerable people, community impact and membership growth. It also highlighted the importance club members place on tackling loneliness and social isolation through stronger human connections.
But the session was not simply about presenting survey results. Delegates moved into round-table discussions to consider their own passions for service, the needs of their communities and the YMI initiatives through which their clubs could make an impact. The results of voting during those discussions were then shared, helping turn the conversation from broad ideas towards practical priorities.
The central message was a simple but important one: whatever service or project a club chooses, it can be used as a means to connect people. Delegates were encouraged to continue the conversation beyond Penang and to share their own dreams for YMI and its future.
The programme then turned towards the young people who had shared the Convention experience, with International President Rev. Dr Johan Vilhelm Eltvik presenting certificates to participants in the International Youth Convocation. Delegates also looked back at some of the highlights of IC 2026 before looking ahead to IC 2028 and the Area Conventions taking place in 2027.
Before the Convention could close, however, there was an important opportunity to recognise the extraordinary number of people who had worked behind the scenes to make it possible.
Throughout the morning, appreciation was extended to the host team, Convention organisers, hotel staff, backstage and technical teams, volunteers, IHQ staff and the many others whose work was often unseen by delegates but essential to an event of this scale. The Event Marshals, a highly visible presence throughout the Convention, received their own moment of recognition with a parade through the Ballroom.
From welcoming delegates and managing registration to moving hundreds of people through the programme, coordinating transport and excursions, preparing meeting spaces, managing performances and technology, and responding to the countless unexpected needs that arise during an International Convention, IC 2026 depended on a remarkable collective effort.
The final gathering was therefore as much a thank you as it was a closing ceremony.
With the Y’s Men’s Hymn bringing the international YMI family together one final time, the Closing Ceremony followed and International President Johan Eltvik declared the 75th International Convention closed.
Delegates then began their journeys home, taking with them memories of four days in Penang filled with new friendships, renewed connections, cultural experiences, challenging conversations and plenty of celebration.
Under the banner “Sharing Dreams, Shaping the Future,” IC 2026 asked delegates to think about where YMI goes next. As the final morning reminded everyone, the answer will ultimately be shaped by the connections we build, the communities we serve and the dreams we are prepared to turn into action.
Thank you, Penang, and thank you to everyone who made IC 2026 possible.
Photos from Day 4 and the Closing Ceremony are now available in our Flickr gallery.