Bangkok, 24 October 2024 – Youth Co:Lab, an initiative co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, launched a report titled, “From Margins to Mainstream: Inclusive Youth Entrepreneurship in the Asia-Pacific Region,” aimed to address the unique challenges faced by young entrepreneurs from underserved communities and provide actionable recommendations for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem. The report was produced in collaboration with the World Bank and United Nations Volunteers (UNV).  

The report was launched alongside an interactive dialogue featuring lived experiences from marginalized entrepreneurs, including women, LGBTI+, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, people on the move, and ethnic minorities to shed light on the intersectional barriers faced by youth entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for tailored support systems.  

“The UNDP-Citi Foundation partnership helps young entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific region make a lasting economic and social impact.” said Christophe Bahuet, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Director, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub. “We are very encouraged to see how their determination and innovation are transforming communities, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.” 

The findings reveal systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, training, and mentorship for marginalized groups, opportunities for young entrepreneurs to drive social change and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region and represent a call to action for governments, private sectors, and civil society to strengthen partnerships and create an enabling environment for inclusive entrepreneurship.  

“Through the Youth Co:Lab initiative, we have been proud to help support over 300,000 young people unlock entrepreneurial opportunities across the region. This report’s findings help advance our efforts to expand economic inclusion and sustainable growth and help break down barriers for young entrepreneurs from underserved communities to thrive,” said Yibin Chu, Head of Community Programs, Japan, Asia North & Australia and Asia South, Citi. 

The report launch held at Citi Thailand brought together key stakeholders from across the region, including, private sector leaders, ecosystem partners and young entrepreneurs. 

As the largest youth movement for empowerment and inclusion of youth entrepreneurship in the Asia-Pacific region, Youth Co:Lab has been instrumental in providing young people with platforms to innovate, lead, and drive change. This report is a critical resource for policymakers and ecosystem enablers to build a more inclusive future for youth entrepreneurship. 

For more information and to access the full report, click here.  

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. 

For more information and media inquiries, please contact: 

UNDP - Dishnika Perera at dishnika.nk.perera@undp.org     

Citi - Wanvisa Komindr at wanvisa.komindr@citi.com