The special event opened with a written message sent by the WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, who reflected that the theme speaks deeply to the realities facing young people today. “Across the world, many experience the effects of conflict, violence, discrimination, economic hardship, mental health struggles, climate anxiety, and uncertainty about the future,” he said. “You are building communities of care, working for peace, protecting creation, advocating for justice, and standing alongside those who are vulnerable.” Olivia Baro, ecumenical youth enabler for the Pacific Conference of Churches, reflected that those gathered were not there to change the world, solve global problems, or heal the breaches. “This is a space where we can express our authentic selves, our cries, and our reflections,” she said. “The first part of our programme is looking at restoring and recognizing the breaches that God longs to restore, and how we can participate in the restoration process.” In the first part of International Ecumenical Youth Day, participants wrestled with the question: “What are the breaches that we are called to be part of restoring?” The second part of the gathering aimed to empower young leaders. “We want to reflect on how have we respond to the breaches and on how we create healing spaces based on the breaches that we see,” said Baro. “In the final part, we will focus on thriving.” Young people reflected on how they are taking steps to grow. Spyridoula Fotinis described how God invites his people to participate in healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding. “God’s work of restoration reaches its fullest expression in Jesus Christ,” she said. | 
