Youth Labs in Asia and the Pacific

Young people have the experiences, skills and expertise for solving adolescent health challenges, yet these attributes remain largely untapped. We’re establishing a regional network of Youth Labs across Asia and the Pacific to transform global health research. The labs position young people as researchers, advocates, decision-makers, designers and innovators. Our vision: a global health ecosystem where young people's expertise drives innovation, creating effective solutions through lived experience.

Across Asia-Pacific, traditional interventions consistently fail to address young people’s actual needs and realities. Partnering with young researchers, we focus on critical health issues. These include sexual and reproductive health, HIV and infectious diseases, adolescent mental health and non-communicable diseases.

Working across national, region and global levels, we deliver transformational change for young people, health systems, communities, policy partners and practice partners.

Currently, we operate in Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines. We also have plans to expand the labs across Asia and the Pacific.

Shifting power to young people

Structural barriers, systemic inequities and challenging contexts prevent young people from accessing appropriate health services.

Major challenges include: 

• consent laws and services that are unresponsive to young people’s needs
• inequities based on education, geography, socioeconomic status and gender
• poverty, climate change and conflict.

Youth Labs features 5 interconnected approaches that shift power into young people's hands.

1. Youth-led research

With our Youth Labs, young people aren't just consulted. They co-design and co-lead the research agenda. From defining questions to publishing findings, youth researchers receive the training and support needed to lead all aspects of research activities. 

2. Youth-led, evidence-based advocacy

Research without impact is insufficient. That’s why our young researchers develop the skills to translate research findings into powerful advocacy. They also develop community and national level accountability mechanisms, engaging directly with decision-makers through structured dialogue and collaborative platforms.

3. Youth-led evaluation and implementation science

Our labs pioneer innovative approaches to implementation research, with young people leading investigations into how interventions succeed or fail in real-world settings.

4. Transdisciplinary research and co-design

Complex health and societal challenges require diverse perspectives that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. Our labs bring together policy, scientific and citizen stakeholders to tackle entrenched global health issues.

5. Human-centred design for innovation

Youth Labs employ design thinking methodologies to develop transformative solutions that respond to young people's authentic needs, preferences and aspirations. The labs focus on innovative services, products, policies and programs, striving for social change and global health equity.