Keynote Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Johan Vilhelm Eltvik (Norway)
Theme: Towards Eminence in Fellowship and Impact

Johan Vilhlem Eltvik – A global leader, social thinker, speaker and change maker who led the World YMCA and YMCA Europe over 2 decades.  As Secretary General of the World YMCA, he led the World YMCA movement with 65 million people in 120 countries in a process of change to a new self-understanding focused on YOUTH EMPOWERMENT. He introduced a row of large-scale global projects such as Change Agents, Safe Space and World Challenge to unify the YMCA movement for greater impact, growth, and visibility. As Secretary General of YMCA Europe, he Initiated and conducted the major YMCA youth festivals in Prague with 5000 to 7,000 participants from 50 countries. He took the leadership for the establishment of an EU funded YMCA conference center for Europe in Litomysl, Czech Republic in partnership with Y’s Men International. His leadership resulted in the re-establishment of YMCAs in 20 countries across Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His vision for change impacted on the development of Ten Sing Norway and its renewal of Volunteer service. Presently, Johan  is a member of the Tønsberg Y’s Men’s Club in Norway Region and the Area Service Director of Y’s Men International Europe Area.

Recognising his global leadership, the Queens University of Charlotte, USA Conferred him the Honorary Doctorate in 2011. He was the recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Republic of Poland’s Order of Merit in the year 2004. In 2021, the King of Norway honoured him with the prestigious title Officer of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit recognising his service and leadership to the world movements.  He published several blogs, articles and books which includes the Blue Music, Knock Out for the vicar Pappino, Pappinos Norske Nærkamp, the Story of YMCA Empowering Young People. He is married to Ingunn Eltvik and they have 2 children Silje and Katrine

At the YMI 100 years celebration, Johan will deliver the keynote address to ignite the spirit of Y’s Men to make Y’s Men international as a global movement with its Eminence in Fellowship and Impact .