Future Founders Fest 2024 supports youth entrepreneurship in Vietnam

The event was co-organised by Youth Co:Lab Vietnam, a joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Citi Foundation, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).

With over 300 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, the Future Founders Fest 2024 championed youth-driven solutions for sustainable development. Recognising the vital role of young people in addressing pressing social and environmental issues, the event aimed to empower these changemakers and strengthen networks that support their ventures.

Key moments included the BASIC x UII Summit, which featured impactful projects by youth-led startups, and the launch of the National Study on the State of the Ecosystem for Youth Entrepreneurship in Vietnam, offering essential insights to shape inclusive policies.

“The National Diagnostic Study on Youth Entrepreneurship we launched at this year’s Future Founders Fest is a crucial step in understanding the challenges and opportunities within the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said UNDP deputy resident representative Patrick Haverman. “The study will help guide our work, inform policies, and strengthen the support systems that young entrepreneurs need to thrive.”

This pioneering study offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, investors, and support organisations to create a more inclusive ecosystem. By mapping pathways and identifying barriers, the study aims to empower young entrepreneurs in advancing Vietnam’s socioeconomic development.

“At this event, we witnessed the incredible potential of young entrepreneurs. By supporting their dreams and fostering innovation, we are not just investing in their future but in a brighter future for all,” said Ramachandran A.S., Vietnam Citi country officer and banking head.

The festival further highlighted the critical role of youth entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development in Vietnam. Key takeaways included the need for stronger policy support, expanded funding opportunities, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to create a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Co-created by UNDP and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab is the largest youth social entrepreneurship movement in Asia-Pacific, empowering young people to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation and entrepreneurship. Launched in Vietnam in 2018, Youth Co:Lab collaborates with government, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support youth-led solutions to pressing social challenges.

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