YPARD at Youth Co Lab Summit: Addressing Challenges Together

From June 26-28, YPARD Asia Pacific Unit participated in the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024, organized by UNDP and Citi Foundation in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. Xingyu Wang, founder of BTC (Beyond The City), a social enterprise promoting urban-rural education equality, represented YPARD at the event.
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"In the current world, it is the responsibility of our generation to take on the mantle. I'm looking forward to overcoming challenges with global partners, creating more opportunities as well as actively innovating for a more inclusive future, and promoting the Distinctive Success”, said Wang.

The Summit, held at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, attracted over 200 participants from 20 countries and territories. It highlighted the critical role of young entrepreneurs in driving sustainable and equitable economic development and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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“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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles, aligning with the goal of Leaving No One Behind," said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of UNDP Philippines.

The Summit served as a platform to champion inclusivity in entrepreneurship, promote youth-driven climate initiatives, and harness digital skills. Young social entrepreneurs presented inclusive solutions, female-centric initiatives, support for underserved communities, and innovative climate responses to build inclusive and just societies.
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"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.”

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

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