Jakarta, July 2024 –  Lestari Jamuku, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving the tradition of jamu, Indonesia's traditional herbal drinks that promote overall health and are a cultural cornerstone across the Indonesian archipelago, presented its mission and products at the regional Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024, in the Philippines. Over 200 participants from 20 countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific region gathered at the summit, centred on the theme, ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship,’ to celebrate and highlight the critical role of young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds in driving sustainable and equitable economic development and advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024 by the United Nations Development Programme and Citi Foundation was organized together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (DTI) and brought together participants, including young social entrepreneurs, government delegates, private sector partners, investors, and other youth community partners who also joined virtually. Held at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, the Philippines, the two-day summit was a platform to champion inclusivity in entrepreneurship, promote youth-driven climate initiatives, and harness digital skills.  

Lestari Jamuku empowers and collaborates with women who sell "jamu gendongs" (gendong means to carry on one’s back). Historically, jamu ladies have played a significant role as health agents and herbal medicine providers, making wellness accessible to Indonesians. Dedicated to supporting the herbal ecosystem, Lestari Jamuku works alongside local farmers in Central Java, Indonesia, and encourages cultivating diverse medicinal plants.

Delivering the opening remarks, Intan Rahmaningtyas, Co-Founder of Lestari Jamuku said, “Thanks to Youth Co Lab, we have experienced a remarkable transformation. In 2022, the concept of 'social entrepreneurship' was entirely new to us. Through the invaluable mentorship, funding, training, and connections provided by Youth Co:Lab, we have been able to scale up our business and amplify its impact on a larger scale”. Adding that “To my fellow young entrepreneurs, let us stay true to the values and identity that define us, even amidst challenges that may come our way. We are not alone; we can be more empowered through collaborative work. Together, let's build a future where entrepreneurship drives positive change and creates a more equitable and sustainable world.”  

In Indonesia, Youth Co:Lab is implemented in close collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of National Development Planning, and Ministry of Youth and Sports, to support young people and the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem at the national and sub-national levels.

At the UNDP-Citi-YEA Session, Randa Sandhita, Technical Assistant for Youth Engagement, highlighted the initiative’s impact in terms of implementation and policy adoption and the Springboard Amplifier programme.  "Indonesia is home to over 64 million youth with immense potential. For the past seven years, UNDP Indonesia has strengthened the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem and benefitted more than 17,000 beneficiaries, with more than 500 youth-led businesses (57% of them are led by women). We believe every youth is a catalyst for transformative change, and no youth should be left behind."

Other Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024 partners 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.  

Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth, to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.

About Youth Co:Lab  

Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth, to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.youthcolab.org or follow @youthcolab

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 the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.