Regional Challenges
Asia-Pacific region is home to more than 660 million youth aged 15-24 years
The devastating effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the economic crisis, have exacerbated challenges and are putting enormous pressure on the next generation.
25% youth in the Asia-Pacific region is not in employment, education or training (NEET)
63% of people in Asia and the Pacific recognize climate change as a major “global emergency” and want more action from their leaders. Civic space in Asia and the Pacific continues to shrink, as evident by measures restricting civic space adopted in the past five years.
Across countries, among those left behind...
women and girls, people in rural areas, indigenous people, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, gender and sexual minorities, youth and older persons are disproportionately present
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Youth Empowerment Portfolio
The Youth Empowerment Project in Asia and the Pacific (YEP-AP) is designed to invest in and empower young people across the region.
YEP-AP mobilizes youth potential as changemakers, addressing challenges like economic inequality, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and civic participation to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guided by the Leave No One Behind principle, YEP-AP ensures that youth empowerment initiatives are inclusive, diverse, and gender-responsive, creating meaningful opportunities for underserved and marginalized groups.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 660 million youth, a generation that is digitally connected, passionate about change, and driving progress in their communities. However, many face significant barriers, including exclusion based on age, gender, and background, which deny them their rights and limit their role in shaping a sustainable future.
25% or around 160 million youth in the Asia-Pacific region is not in employment, education or training (NEET).
63% of people in Asia and the Pacific recognize climate change as a major “global emergency” and want more action from their leaders.
Youth today face unique challenges, often compounded by factors such as living in rural areas, belonging to ethnic or linguistic minorities, being migrants, or having disabilities.
About Us
UNDP recognizes the immense potential of young people as positive agents of change and supports governments, civil society actors, and youth-led networks, in creating an enabling environment. At global and regional levels, UNDP has set up programmes and platforms to boost youth participation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific (YEP-AP) aims to invest in and empower young people across the region.
YEP-AP mobilizes youth potential as changemakers, addressing challenges like economic inequality, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and civic participation to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guided by the Leaving No One Behind principle, YEP-AP ensures that youth empowerment initiatives are inclusive, diverse, and gender-responsive, creating meaningful opportunities for underserved and marginalized groups.
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Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Addressing Key Development Challenges
Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
Our Mission
We empower young people across the Asia-Pacific region to become leaders of change, addressing critical challenges such as unemployment, climate change, and digital inequality while driving progress toward the SDGs. Our programmes ensure no one is left behind, enabling youth from all backgrounds to create a more just and sustainable future.
Discover Our Pillars of Work
What Are Young People Saying About Us?
Being a part of Youth Co:Lab movement helped me realize the importance of SDGs and better grasp the concept through multiple and diverse narratives bought in by my fellow participants.
Frankie B., Co-Founder, Waste No Waste
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
Frankie B.
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
Frankie B.
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!
Frankie B.
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youth participants through regional summits and national dialogues
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countries and territories are running the initiatives with the support from a regional team
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strategic partners mobilizing resources for the SDGs
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knowledge products
published to support policy and programme change
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How We Are Making Progress
Our Stories
Explore inspiring stories and the latest news from YEP-AP’s vibrant community of youth changemakers. Dive into updates from our pillars to discover how these participants are making a difference in their communities and beyond, driving progress toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Reflections from Our Community
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
For far too long, our communities have been marginalized and overlooked. Our stories, our struggles, and our aspirations have often been silenced. But now, as we gather in the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2023, we are witnessing a transformation—a turning point where our collective voices are gaining the recognition they deserve.
Skye Hunter, Youth Co:Lab Alumna and Founder of Ganbu Country
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
Being a part of the YECAP Shaker Fellowship has been an incredible journey of learning and collaboration. Beyond connecting with like-minded individuals; it was about gaining inspiration, insights, and new ways to lead and work collectively on sustainable practices. This experience has and strengthened my commitment to driving meaningful change.
Engr. Maira Shaikh Qureshi, Youth Co:Lab Alumna, YECAP Fellow & Movers Envoy
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
With the help of our partners, we can bridge this gap, to foster inclusive growth and ensure that young people can participate fully in economic and technological advancements. Together, we can bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation to become innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Let’s invest in their potential and build a sustainable future for everyone.
Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of UNDP Philippines
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
Youth Co:Lab is really creating the structure of support ecosystem actors have been developing in pockets, and in vacuums. And it's really something that has been able to kind of be the scaffolding that brought us together. And we're really grateful to be able to collaborate with Youth Co:Lab.
MacKenzie King, Regional Partnership Lead, Impact Hub in Asia-Pacific
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
Being a Mover helps me to become an empowered youth who can serve my fellow youths and my country. The Movers Programme provides me with the opportunity to learn, grow and challenge myself with their warm support in all circumstances. Honestly, I am so proud of being a part of this awesome program. I strongly believe you will get the best experience with the program.
Chakriya Hon, Movers Fellow from Cambodia
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Asia-Pacific Largest Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
"Amazing, Brilliant"
How It All Started
The Youth Empowerment Project in Asia and the Pacific (YEP-AP) is designed to invest in and empower young people across the region.
YEP-AP mobilizes youth potential as changemakers, addressing challenges like economic inequality, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and civic participation to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guided by the Leave No One Behind principle, YEP-AP ensures that youth empowerment initiatives are inclusive, diverse, and gender-responsive, creating meaningful opportunities for underserved and marginalized groups.
Asia-Pacific region is home to more than 660 million youth aged 15-24 years. The devastating effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the economic crisis, have exacerbated challenges and are putting enormous pressure on the next generation.
25% or around 160 million youth in the Asia-Pacific region is not in employment, education or training (NEET). 63% of people in Asia and the Pacific recognize climate change as a major “global emergency” and want more action from their leaders. Civic space in Asia and the Pacific continues to shrink, as evident by measures restricting civic space adopted in the past five years.
Furthermore, across countries, women and girls, people in rural areas, indigenous people, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, gender and sexual minorities, youth and older persons are disproportionately present among those left behind.
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