The Regional Youth Co:Lab Summit, jointly organized by Citi Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), positions young people at the forefront to solve the region’s most pressing challenges.

Manila - Over 200 participants from 20 countries and territories from the Asia and the Pacific region gathered in the Philippines for the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024; this year’s theme is ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship’, celebrates and highlights the critical role of young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds in driving sustainable and equitable economic development and in advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Summit is organized by the United Nations Development Programme and Citi Foundation, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (DTI), and brings together participants from a diverse background, including young social entrepreneurs, government delegates, private sector partners, investors, and other youth community partners joining virtually.   

Held at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, the Summit serves as a platform to champion inclusivity in entrepreneurship, promote youth-driven climate initiatives, and harness digital skills. The platform provides opportunities for young social entrepreneurs to present their inclusive solutions, female-centric initiatives, support for underserved communities and innovative climate responses to build inclusive and just societies.   

“Through our Pathways to Progress job skills-building initiative, the Citi Foundation has been a longtime supporter of organizations working around the globe to address the persistent issue of youth unemployment,” said Florencia Spangaro, Chief Operating Officer of the Citi Foundation. “With its focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, this year’s Youth Co:Lab Summit is a celebration of the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs and innovators who are committed to leaving a positive mark on their communities.” 

The Summit provided a regional space for young social entrepreneurs across Asia and the Pacific region, to exchange knowledge and ideas through networking and collaboration, inspiring and engaging youth to take action and discuss emerging trends in the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, advocating for policies to enhance its resilience and inaugurate collaborative initiatives for inclusive youth entrepreneurship. 

“Through Youth Co:Lab, we empower and enable young social entrepreneurs who themselves are the personification of diversity and inclusion, to overcome adversity, challenge the status quo, create jobs and innovate for a more inclusive tomorrow,” said Paul Favila, Philippines Citi Country Officer and Banking Head. “We owe the success of Youth Co:Lab to young social entrepreneurs who are at the front and center of this movement; who have demonstrated passion, resilience and grit over the journey; and who are breaking barriers, bringing fresh ideas to life, and addressing global pressing issues.” 

“Amidst persisting impacts of climate change to social inequality, where the most vulnerable bear the brunt - young people are harnessing the power of social entrepreneurship by offering creative solutions to address critical issues in their communities. At UNDP, we are committed to empowering youth as catalysts for transformative change, advancing the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Leaving No One Behind,” said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of UNDP Philippines.  

Other partners for the Summit include the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), CVC Capital Partners, the Commonwealth Secretariat (CWS), EY, The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Spark Project, and the StartupUp Quezon City and the Local Economic Investment Promotions Office of the Local Government of Quezon City. 

Youth Co:Lab, co-created by UNDP and the Citi Foundation in 2017, is the largest youth movement for empowerment, social entrepreneurship, equality, and social inclusion in Asia Pacific, and has supported young people in 28 countries and territories. Since its inception, activities supported by Youth Co:Lab have reached 280,300 participants across the Asia-Pacific region.  

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.