The theme was “Inclusive Entrepreneurship.” The 2024 Youth Co-Lab Summit brought together more than 200 participants from 20 countries and regions in the Philippines. The event was organized by the United Nations Development Programme and the Citi Foundation in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Celebrating and highlighting the important role of young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds in driving sustainable and equitable economic development; Advance Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Held at ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines The Summit will serve as a platform to promote inclusivity in entrepreneurship, advance youth-led climate action and leverage digital skills, enabling young social entrepreneurs to showcase their comprehensive solutions, women-centric initiatives, empowering disadvantaged communities and innovative climate responses to build inclusive and just societies.
“Citi Foundation has long supported organizations around the world addressing the persistent problem of youth unemployment through our Pathways to Progress job skills-building initiative,” said Florencia Spangaro, Citi Foundation chief operating officer. “With a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, this year’s Youth Co:Lab Summit celebrates the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs and innovators who are committed to leaving a positive impact in their communities.”
The Summit provided a regional platform for young social entrepreneurs in Asia and the Pacific to foster knowledge and idea exchange through networking and collaboration, inspire and engage young people to take action, discuss emerging trends in the youth entrepreneurial ecosystem, advocate for policies to enhance its resilience, and launch collaborative initiatives for inclusive youth entrepreneurship.
“Through Youth Co:Lab, we are empowering young social entrepreneurs who embody diversity and inclusion to overcome obstacles, challenge the status quo, create jobs and innovate for a more inclusive tomorrow,” said Paul Favila, Citi Country Executive and Head of Banking, Philippines. “The success of Youth Co:Lab is thanks to the young social entrepreneurs who are at the front and center of this movement – they have demonstrated passion, tenacity and courage along the way, breaking down barriers, bringing transformative ideas to life and addressing urgent global challenges.”
“As climate change continues to impact social inequalities, the most vulnerable suffer. Young people are harnessing the power of social entrepreneurship by proposing creative solutions to address key issues in their communities. At UNDP, we empower young people as catalysts for change, Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles are aligned with our goal of “leaving no one behind.”” said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines.
The two-day summit (June 27-28) brought together participants from a variety of backgrounds. including young social entrepreneurs, government representatives, private sector partners, investors and other youth community partners. Join us virtually.
The Youth Co-Lab Summit 2024 is co-sponsored by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Aspen Network for Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), CVC Capital Partners, the Commonwealth Secretariat (CWS), EY, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Spark Project, and StartupUp Quezon City and the Quezon City Local Government’s Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office.
Founded in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab is the largest youth movement for empowerment, social entrepreneurship, equality and social inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, reaching young people in 28 countries and territories. Since its inception, Youth Co:Lab has supported activities that have engaged 280,300 people across the region.
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