Young Ambassadors of Peace in Asia (YAPA) 2017 (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
The 2nd Young Ambassadors of Peace in Asia (YAPA) 2017, a week-long training programme, was organised by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) from 28th May to 3rd June at Payap University at Chiang Mai, Thailand.
YAPA training programme sought to facilitate the role of young people as ambassadors of change in peacebuilding processes, and to build a network of young peacebuilders in Asia bridging the missing links in promoting peace in society. The training programme consisted of interactive sessions on non-violence and peace with justice through theological foundations of peace from various religious perspectives, skill development to peace implementation programmes at the grassroots level. The programme further buoyed up the young people to be peace makers not among humans alone but within the whole creation commencing from one’s own inner self.
25 young participants from various Asian countries – Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand – with representatives from the Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim communities who are committed to promoting interfaith collaboration in peacebuilding and conflict resolution participated in the programme.
The daily phenomenon of changes in the world is a challenge for students to cope with as they engage in the process of their education along within the changing scenario. In most educational institutions, the method is teacher centred, based upon the given curriculum and the demarcated syllabi of courses to be covered within the stipulated time in the four walled classroom. There is hardly any space for student interaction and discussion of the subject and their expediences in society. There is a need for students to have fellowship in learning together with practical exposure, so that they can share, exchange, experience and learn with each other, thereby enabling themselves to find out their potential and capabilities mental and physical and relate the same to the contextual challenges in society. Keeping these poignant thoughts in mind, a three-days Regional programme was initiated by Student Christian Movement in India (SCMI) in collaboration with National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)–Youth Concerns from 22nd – 24th May 2017 in the NCCI Campus, with the aim of building relationships of learning together, thereby being moulded and committed to engage in different areas and fields so that they become channels of hope for society. 
In addition to the above three sessions, there were sessions for interaction and debate. The concluding session was initiated by Mr. Jianthaolung Gonmei, Executive Secretary of Youth Concerns, NCCI, Ms. Wapangyingla Ao, Intern, NCCI, and Mr. Vinod Shemron, Intern, NCCI. The participants also got an opportunity to practically get involved in cleaning the environment during early morning sessions in the NCCI campus.
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The concert was successfully organized by the organizing team of NCCI-Interns and AISSA-Interns. Some church leaders who were present in the concert appreciated the organizing team for making efforts in bringing the churches in Nagpur together, and especially the youth by uniting them through music. Some of the church leaders even urged the organizing team to continue such programs where the churches can come together for a common cause. 
A one-day workshop on Relevant (Diaconal) Mission for Youth under the theme “Youth for Peace” was held on 23rdJuly 2016, at Church of South India (CSI) Parish Hall, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District, Tamilnadu. The Unity, Mission and Evangelism Unit and the Youth Unit of National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), the Commission on Conflict Transformation and Peace Building Program of United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India (UELCI), Christian Service Agency (CSA) and Congregation Accompanied Reformed Diaconia In Action (CARDIA) and Dept. of Communication of CSI Diocese of Madurai and Ramnad jointly organized this workshop.
A Peace Education Training for the youth under the theme “Youth Empowerment for Peace” was organized by NCCI-Commission on Youth, in partnership with India Peace Centre at Caritas Holiday Home, Panjim, Goa from 11th to 13th November 2015. A group of 36 youth participated in the program from various parts of India.
The NCCI-Commission on Youth organized a 20 minutes radio programme with a panel discussion on the theme “Youth Civic Engagement” at All India Radio, Nagpur as an observance of International Youth Day on 12th August 2015. Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary, NCCI gave the keynote address on Youth. Various perspectives from educational institution, social activist and secular on Youth Civic Engagement in present society and its negligence were addressed in the panel which was moderated by Ms. Panita Sandela, Intern. ELC in MP Nagpur Youth presented a special number and greetings were given by Rev. Sweety Helen, Executive Secretary, Commission on Youth-NCCI.
In observing the Independence Day, the NCCI-Commission on Youth organized a friendly sports meet for the North-East youth at the NCCI campus at 3:00 pm. Rev. Sweety Helen, Executive Secretary, Commission on Youth rendered the welcome address and Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary, NCCI offered the prayer to inaugurate the friendly sports meet. About 30 youth attended and participated the Sports meet. Volleyball and Badminton were played. Mr. Zuchon Ovung, Pastor, North East Christian Fellowship Nagpur offered the closing prayer and the sports meet was concluded.
The NCCI-Commission on Youth successfully organized the Youth for Social Justice Camp at Visthar, Bangalore from 3rd – 7thAugust in partnership with NCCI-Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation, International Justice Mission and Visthar. The five days camp was allocated with different social problems – Trafficking, Sexual Minorities, Child Rights and Disability.
August 12 is observed as International Youth day all over the world every year. Commission on Youth also has been observing International Youth Day through organizing various programmes through its constituent members who are around 14 million people. Among the 14 million, approximately 4 million are young people. Commission on Youth has been catering to these young people on International Youth day by enabling them to realize their skills and by acknowledging the contributions youth make to the Church and society.
The Church of Finland and with help from promoters and partners from Church of Ireland and Church of England in Ecumenical Christian Centre, UTC, Bangalore from June 26-27, 2014.