Ship for World Youth Alumni Association · Spain
It began at sea. It carries on ashore.
Since 1992, eight Spanish delegations have sailed on the Ship for World Youth, the Government of Japan's international exchange programme. Since 2005, SWYAA Spain has brought together those who sailed and kept alive, in Spain, the network that was born on board.
- Programme begins
- 1988
- First Spanish delegation
- 1992
- SWYAA Spain
- 2005
- Spanish delegations
- 8
02More than a voyage
For weeks, young people from different countries share cabins, discussions, ports of call and the same daily routine on board. When the ship docks, another journey begins, longer and slower than the first one: keeping those ties alive. That is why SWYAA Spain exists.
03The programme
A Government of Japan programme since 1988.
The Ship for World Youth brings together young people from Japan and other invited countries to live, discuss and work together, at sea and on land. Its purpose is to develop people who can lead with an international outlook and mutual understanding. Every edition has its own route and its own participating countries.
- Organised by
- Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
- Since
- 1988
- Each edition
- A different route and countries
04Connected generations
Eight delegations, one shared voyage.
From SWY4 in 1992 to SWY37 in 2026. Each Spanish delegation sailed a different route and left its own story in our archive.
05The latest edition
SWY37. A new generation on board.
In 2026, Spain returned to the Ship for World Youth. The 37th edition brought together thirteen countries on a journey through Asia and added a new Spanish delegation to the programme's history.
- Dates
- 15 February – 12 March 2026
- Ports of call
- Bangkok · Okinawa · Aichi
- Participating countries
- 13
- Spanish delegation
- 8 participants and 1 National Leader
06Global Assembly 18
Spain 2027. The worldwide community, at our home.
Every year, the Global Assembly brings together the Ship for World Youth alumni associations. In 2027, Spain will be the host.
About Global Assembly 18- Venue
- Seville, Spain
- Planned dates
- 5–8 November 2027 · Dates to be confirmed
Planned: 5–8 November 2027 · Dates to be confirmed
07The community today
What we do after the ship.
Alumni gatherings, receptions at the Embassy of Japan, cultural and environmental projects, and the 18th Global Assembly, to be held in Spain in 2027.
08Visual memory
Thirty-four years of photographs.
A selection from the association's archive, from the first delegation to today's activities.
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1992SWY 4 – 1992
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1999SWY 12 – 1999
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2018SWY 30 – 2018
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32 aniversario SWY4
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2025GA 16 – 2025 Egipto
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Pre Global Assembly en Madrid
Historical photographs and documents · SWYAA Spain Archive
09Get involved
Did you sail on an edition?
Write to us to reconnect with the community, share your story or collaborate with the association. If you would like to take part in a future edition, start with our frequently asked questions.