Ras Al Khaimah: Young people from different countries are expected to gather in the United Arab Emirates in November for the CHARIS Asia Youth Conference (CAYC) 2026, an international Catholic youth gathering scheduled to take place from November 13 to 15 in Ras Al Khaimah.
The three day conference is being organised by the CHARIS Asia team with the confirmation of CHARIS International and the host vicariate, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA). The conference will be held under the theme “Move the Mountains”, inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20.
The gathering will bring together young people from different countries and cultural backgrounds for prayer, worship, spiritual formation and fellowship. The organisers aim to provide an international platform where young Catholics can deepen their faith, strengthen their relationship with the Church and reflect on their role in its mission.
Preparations for the conference are being led by Anthony Lim, Co ordinator of the CHARIS Asia Continental Service of Communion; Clitson Joseph, CHARIS Asia Secretary and CHARIS AVOSA Co ordinator; and Ajin Joseph, CHARIS Asia Continental Youth Co ordinator, with the support of various subcommittees.
The conference programme will feature Church leaders, priests and youth speakers, including Archbishop Francis Kalist, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Fr. J. Boy Gonzales, SJ, Fr. Darick D'Souza, Michaela Joanna R. Flores and Rev. Dr. Michel Remery of the Netherlands.
The programme will include keynote sessions and workshops focusing on faith, spiritual growth and the challenges facing young people. Jesus Youth will also conduct a special workshop during the conference.
A team of religious sisters will be present throughout the three days to offer counselling, spiritual accompaniment and prayer support to participants.
For the organisers, the conference is an opportunity to bring together a new generation of young Catholics in an atmosphere of prayer, fellowship and mission. It is also expected to strengthen links among youth leaders and Catholic communities from different countries.
The organising team is expected to release the registration form and further programme details shortly. Youth leaders, representatives and spiritual assistants in different countries are being encouraged to begin mobilising participants for the gathering.
With the conference approaching in November, CAYC 2026 is set to bring young Catholics together in Ras Al Khaimah for three days of faith, fellowship, spiritual formation and renewed commitment to mission.