YMCA Peace Gala 2025: An Evening Where Youth Voices Lit the Way Forward
On November 19, the YMCA Peace Gala 2025 brought together an engaged community around a powerful message: peace is built every day through concrete actions, courageous voices, and collective support that transforms lives. This year’s edition will be remembered for its powerful moments and moving testimonies — and above all, for the boldness and leadership of our youth.
Inspiring Journeys That Bring Peace to Life
Each year, the YMCA Peace Medals recognize individuals and organizations whose commitment helps build more just, inclusive, and supportive communities.
In 2025, four laureates were honored:
🏅 Brian Bronfman — Honorary Medal
A visionary philanthropist, he has supported for decades initiatives that bring people together and strengthen social cohesion. His compassionate leadership helps create lasting conditions for a culture of peace.
🏅 Oumou Diakité — Young Peacemaker
A journalist, author, and engaged artist, she uses her voice to build bridges between generations and amplify perspectives that are too often unheard. Her work inspires young people to believe in their power to create change.
🏅 Stéphanie Germain — Social Leadership
An activist and Executive Director of Éduconnexion, she transforms the fight against violence into a movement for social justice. She creates spaces for healing, mobilizes families, and equips communities to build lasting peace.
🏅 ASRSQ — Engaged Organization
For more than 60 years, ASRSQ has supported justice-involved individuals on their path toward reintegration and dignity. Through its provincial network, the organization builds peace by offering second chances and changing perceptions around justice.
Their commitment shines a light on our communities and reminds us that a single gesture, a voice, or a presence can truly transform lives.
Youth Voices at the Heart of the Celebration
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when members of the Youth Committee for Peace took the stage.
These young people, participants in YMCA programs, evaluated nominations, selected the laureates, wrote meaningful tributes, and presented the honourees before a full audience. They stood out for their authenticity, courage, and sensitivity.
Their presence embodies the YMCA’s mission: to offer young people a place where they can express themselves, learn, dream, and discover their own power to act.
Their contribution went far beyond the evening itself — it gave a generational voice to peace, one that will continue to resonate well beyond the Gala.
