The meeting provided a significant platform for the participants to share experiences, reflect on emerging challenges in youth ministry, discern common pathways and explore ways of strengthening collaboration at the provincial, regional and international levels.

In his concluding remarks on 17 September, Rev. Fr Raphael Bejarano SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, highlighted the importance of networking and maintaining continuous communication among the different levels of Salesian Youth Ministry. He encouraged the participants to remain closely connected with their respective provinces, regional structures and the international team so that information, experiences and feedback could flow effectively.

Fr Raphael emphasised, "the Youth Ministry team is not simply there to provide ready-made answers but to support, accompany and build together with the provinces." He noted that each province has its own context and pathways, and therefore coordination, mutual learning, sharing of information and constructive feedback are essential for the effective development of youth ministry. He stressed the need to strengthen the links between the different levels of the Salesian mission. He called for continued efforts to bridge gaps and foster greater fraternity and collaboration among the various structures and teams involved in youth ministry.

Reflecting on the model of Youth Ministry being developed, Fr Raphael stressed the importance of bringing together different approaches and perspectives. He encouraged the delegates to strengthen their work through better indicators, quality accompaniment and continuous evaluation, so that youth ministry can respond more effectively to the realities and needs of young people.

The General Councillor further reminded the participants to keep their communities and the needs of young people at the centre of their ministry. "Prayer" Fr Raphael said, "must remain fundamental to the mission, together with working alongside young people, reflecting with them and taking decisions with them." He also expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the organisation and accompaniment of the meeting. He acknowledged the hospitality and organisational efforts of the community of Siloam, the Shillong Province and the various members of the organising and accompanying teams who contributed to the success of the programme. Fr Ritonbor Kharkongor, YMD-INS, was responsible for meticulous planning and execution of the meeting. 

The concluding session featured a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr Patrick Lepcha SDB, Director of Don Bosco Youth Animation – South Asia (DBYA-SA). Expressing his gratitude to all the participants, Fr Patrick thanked them for their “active, energetic, friendly and conscious participation” throughout the Annual Meeting. He expressed particular gratitude to Fr Raphael Bejarano SDB for his guidance and brotherly support, Fr Gustavo Fabian Cavagnari and Fr Sebastian for their presence and sessions, and acknowledged Fr Silvio Roggia, General Councillor for Formation, Fr Benny Joseph and Fr Joebeth Vivo for their online sessions.