A collaboration between Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India has given rise to ‘Youth Co:Lab’. This far-reaching initiative is aimed at accelerating social entrepreneurship and fostering innovation among the youth of India. Launched in 2017 by UNDP along with the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab has grown extensively and now spans over 25 countries across the Asia Pacific region. Its prime objective revolves around creating a conducive ecosystem to encourage youth leadership, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.
‘Youth Co:Lab’ in India: Unleashing Entrepreneurship
A critical component of the ‘Youth Co:Lab’ initiative is promoting entrepreneurship, and to that effect, it will commence a series of youth dialogues in several major Indian cities including New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mumbai. The deliberations seek to inspire and foster entrepreneurial spirit across India.
Spurring Youth and Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The collaboration between AIM and UNDP aims to propagate awareness about various issues concerning youth, the future of work, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Through this, they hope to accentuate youth involvement in progressing towards these international goals.
Promoting Innovation via Social Challenges
Youth Co:Lab will host social innovation challenges at both national and sub-national levels. These will invite young participants aged between 18 to 29 years and start-ups to present their innovative ideas and solutions to address some of the significant social issues plaguing the region. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to present their ideas at the UNDP’s regional centre in 2020.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Stimulating Innovation and Entrepreneurship
AIM, inclusive of Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation (SETU), is a direct initiative from the Government of India that focuses on cultivating a culture centred around innovation and entrepreneurship. It also serves as a launchpad to bolster world-class innovation hubs, grand challenges, start-up businesses, and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology-oriented areas.
| NITI Aayog | UNDP India’s Country Programme Focus (2018-2022) |
|---|---|
| Was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on 1st January 2015. It replaced the Planning Commission instituted in 1950. This premier policy ‘Think Tank’ provides both directional and policy inputs, designs strategic and long-term policies, and offers relevant technical advice to Center and States. | UNDP India’s country programme for 2018-2022 is mainly focused on: Inclusive growth, environment and energy, strengthening systems and institutions. |
The United Nations Development Programme India: Striving For Development And Sustainability
The United Nations Development Programme, working in nearly 170 countries and territories, is dedicated to achieving poverty eradication, reducing inequalities and exclusion, all while preserving the planet. It has been operational in India since 1951, strengthening systems and paving way for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods. The UNDP Country Office is situated in New Delhi.