The GYC is an event held in Osaka and Kobe that brings together young people from around the world to discuss pressing social issues aligned with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to fostering dialogue, it offers opportunities for cultural exchange, team building, and leadership development. Rooted in the principles of youth empowerment and global citizenship, the program is organized by young people, for young people.
 
The GYC is an event that strives to help young people “discover” 3 important things.  They are:  
 
(1) Global Issues and Local Issues
Discover, learn about and develop awareness of local and global issues as global citizens and  in an interdependent world, so that they can recognize issues as their own during a global era.
 
2) Leadership Skills and Confidence
Uncover new skills and abilities, and gain confidence and self reliance. 
 
(3) Strong Relationships
Develop a network of long-lasting friends to work with and support each other in the face of on-going social challenges.
 
Through these 3 pillars, the GYC fosters the spirit of connection with other GYC delegates and broader society and provides a pathway for young people to better themselves in their own way. 
Further, the GYC is run on the principle of “Youth Empowerment” by conducting a series of online workshops, cultural activities, and debates.  These experiences facilitate networking, leadership development, and thinking, learning, discussing and acting on global issues. 

The GYC has the following objectives:

• To build a forum for young people from around the world to learn about global issues affecting young people through interactive learning and positive debate in a safe and supportive environment
• Contribute to the development of young global citizens
• Make the GYC the No. 1 youth forum on global issues of it’s kind in Asia
• Encourage participants to apply what they have learnt and take action to positively impact their local communities through individual and group projects.
• Align it’s content with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Contribute to the internationalisation of Osaka YMCA in accordance with Osaka YMCA’s Vision 2030 strategic plan

Simple - it’s fun, educational and rewarding.  There’s so much to get out of the conference, from attending a truly international event as a delegate from your country, to making new friends from all over the world, to learning about important global issues. The young people involved make the event what it is - truly inspirational.

Suitable Applicants

To join the GYC you must:

• Between the ages of 16-22
• Agree to the rules and uphold the conference values
• Be will to make new friends and share your ideas with others

In 2023, the 7th Global Youth Conference (GYC) split into two sessions. The first, "Towards Sustainable Living," merged a hybrid keynote and panel discussion on February 26. The August 11-13 event engaged 36 participants from 19 countries and 11 global volunteers, focusing on Environmental Action. Discussions tackled individual and societal impacts on the environment, addressing greenwashing. Culminating in a 'Call to Action,' the conference urged support for combating global warming and climate change, fostering collaborative solutions for a sustainable future.

In 2022, the 6th Global Youth Conference (GYC) convened online from March 25th to 27th. Engaging 40 participants from 14 countries and supported by 30 global volunteers spanning seven nations, the focus centered on "Youth Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital World." Discussions highlighted challenges like online isolation and unrealistic digital expectations, culminating in a 'Call to Action' urging community stakeholders to bolster support systems for youth mental health. Participants collaborated across borders, exploring AI and social media's impact on mental health, fostering a successful conference and setting a model for future online GYC events, all thanks to the dedication of volunteers.

In 2019 August 6-9, 94 young people from around the world came together to discuss important global issues at the fifth annual Global Youth Conference at Mt Rokko.
Participants from 13 different countries explored 2019 GYC's topic, the Environment. There were 4 workshops on Sustainable Cities, Understanding Ecological Footprint, Human Wastefulness & Post consumer decision.
We had keynote speaker Bianca Yamaguchi, a pioneer in zero waste living in Japan and the author of The Zero Way.
For Japanese culture, we had Okinawan music performer, National and international award winning DJ Hi - C who was accompanied by breakdancer B-Boy Kossy, and a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by Katone Baba.

In 2018 August 6-10, 102 young people from around the world came together to discuss important global issues at the fourth annual Global Youth Conference at Mt Rokko.
Participants from 21 different countries explored two main themes, Mental Health in Youth and Artificial Intelligence.  In Mental Health they discussed two main topics 'Mental Health and Stigma' and 'Mental Health in Education' and in Articifial Intelligence, 'AI and Companionship' and 'AI in the Workplace'.
We had keynote speaker photojournalist and filmmaker Travis Beard. For Japanese culture, we had Taiko group Kouryo Kinmei Daiko perform, Katsura Asakichi perform traditional Rakugo in English, and live painter Mon share the process of live painting by making art with all participants.

2017 August 7-11th, 130 young people from around the world came together to discuss important global issues at the third annual Global Youth Conference at Mt Rokko.
Participants from 18 different countries gained new perspectives on issues such as 'Fake News', 'How to Identify and Overcome Cultural Sterotypes and Racism', 'Working Towards Gender Equality',  and 'Global Warming & Climate Change'. We had keynote speaker journalist, photographer and documentary producer Kjeld Duits, present on inspiration, finding your voice and self. For Japanese culture, we had a Biwa player, a Kendo presentation, and a world reknowned scratch DJ show his skills.

The 2016 2nd Global Youth Conference hosted 90 delegates from 13 countries. The Conference was supported for the first time by the GYC Youth Committee which was made up of representative interns, high-school students, university students and young Osaka YMCA staff. The workshop topics were: Social Enterprise, The Global Refugee Crisis, Internet Identity and Freedom of the Press with Freedom of the press voted as in as the topic of debate at the General Assembly. We also had guest keynote speakers Cosmic Lab, renown 3D visual artists, present on DIY culture and Michael Delaney on Youth Leadership.

Our very first conference! We hosted 90 delegates from 14 countries and took our first steps to creating a dynamic, educational and empowering conference for youth run by youth. The conference had workshops on Fair Trade, Personal Development, Sustainable Living and Online Bullying which were run by our intern facilitators. We also hosted guest speakers Ms. Catherine Taylor, the Australian Consul-General to Japan at the time and Mr. TBC from University.