Civic engagement is a vital component of a healthy democracy and YMCA empowers young people to lead change in their communities through civic action and advocacy, gender equality, youth justice and leadership development. YMCA is committed to advancing global conservation and responsibility to reduce the effects of climate change through youth-led education programs and advocacy initiatives that improve environmental awareness, civic engagement and advocacy at the local, national, regional and global levels. YMCA also believes that all youth should learn, grow and thrive through transformational experiences that build an appreciation for nature. YMCA is committed to scale efforts to increase youth access to knowledge, information and learning opportunities to advance global progress toward the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals