International Exposure for Climate Action: YMCA Batticaloa at the Carbon Auditors
Leadership and Coordination: YMCA at Work
Abishan Ashley, Youth Representative of YMCA Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, participated in the Carbon Auditors Workshop held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 9th to 14th December 2025. This international program brought together YMCA policymakers, General Secretaries, and youth representatives from various National YMCAs, creating a valuable platform for collaboration, learning, and exchange of ideas. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to understand how different countries are addressing environmental challenges within their communities.
The program was conducted in line with YMCA Vision 2030, focusing on building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. A key highlight of the workshop was training participants on carbon auditing—understanding how to measure, track, and reduce carbon emissions within organizations. Through interactive sessions and practical activities, Abishan gained knowledge on how YMCAs can adopt environmentally responsible practices in their daily operations and long-term planning.
Within YMCA Batticaloa and many similar communities, environmental issues such as pollution, improper waste management, and increasing energy consumption remain ongoing challenges. Limited awareness and lack of structured sustainability initiatives often make it difficult to address these problems effectively. These issues not only impact the environment but also affect the health and well-being of the community, especially the youth.
During the workshop, Abishan was exposed to practical solutions such as promoting renewable energy, encouraging waste reduction and recycling, and implementing simple carbon tracking systems within YMCA programs. He also learned the importance of youth-led initiatives in driving environmental change. These approaches are realistic and can be gradually introduced within YMCA Batticaloa to create awareness and encourage responsible behavior among members.
Moving forward, Abishan aims to work closely with YMCA Batticaloa to introduce carbon-related projects, strengthen environmental education among youth, and promote sustainable practices within the organization. The expectation is to build a more environmentally responsible YMCA that actively contributes to reducing its carbon footprint. This participation marks an important step towards empowering youth to lead change and ensuring that YMCA Batticaloa plays a meaningful role in creating a greener and more sustainable future.
