Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024, co-organized by UNDP and Citi Foundation in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was held at the ADB Headquarters in the Philippines in June 2024, with over 200 participants representing 20 countries and territories. Youth Co:Lab alumna Tanvi Ravindra Thombre, Founder of Greenairy, a Singapore-based social enterprise, shares her reflections on the Summit.
Being part of the Youth Co:Lab community has been a powerful catalyst for our team. The 2024 Summit offered an incredible opportunity to connect with social entrepreneurs from the Asia-Pacific region, entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs), policymakers, social catalyst teams, and other youth empowerment partners. It was inspiring to experience the collective power of a community dedicated to driving positive change.
One of my key takeaways was understanding the vital role a supportive community plays in building a social enterprise, and we are truly grateful for that support. I feel extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity, which has left me feeling even more motivated and empowered to continue making a difference while supporting other young changemakers.
At Youth Co:Lab Summit, we met other young social entrepreneurs from across the region who work in diverse areas of impact—ranging from nutritious food alternatives and life-saving care devices to platforms for upskilling and providing opportunities, as well as inclusivity-focused products and services. Many of their stories began with finding solutions to problems they or their communities faced. This resonated with my own experience and reminded me of the power of youth social entrepreneurship.
As young people, we can be the drivers of change because we see the world with fresh eyes and can envision better ways to address challenges. The diversity of solutions was humbling for me. Coming from Singapore, alongside our fellow Singaporean team moonbeam.co, I saw great potential for more youth worldwide to learn about these solutions, be inspired to think creatively, and get involved in tackling pressing issues like climate change. I loved the energy that culminated in the Demo Day, showcasing all the social entrepreneurs, and appreciated the thoughtful feedback collected for us.
Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The Summit, true to its theme, delved into unpacking systemic issues that affect inclusive social enterprises. Yuha Jin from Tella shared how their language learning app connects English learners worldwide with native English tutors in Southeast Asia and Africa, championing inclusivity for both those being served and those providing the service. Youth Co:Lab helped to further advance inclusivity by equipping them with resources to support serving their communities.
Technology was highlighted as a powerful tool for inclusivity. Thinles Norboo, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ladakh Basket, shared how their revenue increased twelvefold after collaborating with the Youth Co:Lab team to build their website. Similarly, Abrahim Ali Shah, founder of Mobiliti, demonstrated how their innovation in affordable prosthetics has enabled more people to access a better quality of life.
Championing inclusivity also fosters innovation. Intan, founder of Lestari Jamuku, described how their medicinal drink recipes were co-created with elderly community members, drawing on generational knowledge. Emily from Native Discovery shared how her work with the Orang Asli community co-created educational school tours to preserve and pass down Indigenous knowledge. With Greenairy, we aspire to expose more youth to farming and sustainability, collaborating with them to co-create impactful solutions.
Knowledge-building for Climate Solutions
The lush greenery surrounding the venue, including a herb garden showcasing mosquito-repelling plants, served as a refreshing reminder of how spaces can seamlessly integrate nature. For our team, it aligned perfectly with our vision for the future—offices enhanced by innovations like our Greenairy air-purifying plant towers. We took the opportunity to test air quality in various spaces, including our hotel rooms, to highlight the critical issue of indoor air pollution, one of the most significant health threats today. This experience reinforced our determination to develop solutions that promote healthier indoor environments for all.
Beyond the formal sessions, the summit provided countless opportunities to build a vibrant network of like-minded individuals, fostering camaraderie and a shared willingness to collaborate. Engaging with young innovators and stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region allowed us to share experiences, overcome challenges, and explore solutions together—a truly transformative experience. This sense of community will continue to inspire and support us as we navigate our entrepreneurial journey.
Reflecting on the summit, it’s evident that inclusive entrepreneurship wasn’t just a theme but a powerful movement, driven by the collective efforts of young innovators across the Asia-Pacific region. The diverse solutions and inspiring stories emphasized the critical role of community in nurturing and sustaining these initiatives. We left the summit feeling more motivated and empowered to advance our work, knowing we are part of a vibrant and supportive network committed to making a positive impact.
If you’re interested in collaborating with us on indoor air purification or microgreen farming education, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: Tanvi Thombre.
Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Read more about Youth Co:Lab here.
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