About Y-PEER Asia Pacific
History
Y-PEER (Youth Peer Education Network) is a global, youth-to-youth initiative established to empower young people through education, advocacy, and leadership. Originally created in 1999 by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Y-PEER has grown into one of the largest youth-led networks working on sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide.
Over the years, the network has expanded across multiple regions, including Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, Y-PEER connects over 33,000 young people and collaborates with more than 2,000 organizations, institutions, and youth-led groups globally.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Y-PEER Asia Pacific operates through a diverse network of national and local organizations. The Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center, based in Bangkok, Thailand, was established to strengthen coordination, support national networks, and expand youth-led initiatives across the region. The center works closely with regional and global partners to build the capacity of peer educators, support emerging networks, and amplify youth voices in key development spaces.
Vision
We envision a region where every young person has access to accurate information, supportive environments, and equal opportunities to thrive. A future where young people are not only beneficiaries of development but active leaders shaping policies, communities, and systems.
Our vision is rooted in equity, inclusion, and rights, where barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and lack of access no longer limit young people’s potential. Through collective action and youth leadership, we strive to create healthier, more inclusive, and empowered societies.
Mission
At Y-PEER Asia Pacific, our mission is to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their lives and health. We achieve this through peer-to-peer education, a model that places young people at the center of learning and change.
By equipping youth with accurate information on SRHR, HIV prevention, gender equality, and mental health, we foster environments where open dialogue is encouraged, stigma is challenged, and rights are upheld. Our work goes beyond awareness, we aim to build a generation of youth leaders who can influence policies, engage communities, and drive sustainable change.
What makes us unique?
Peer-to-Peer Education
We use peer education as our core methodology—young people learning from and supporting one another. This approach creates trust, encourages open conversations, and ensures that information is relatable and impactful.
Innovative Learning Methods
We go beyond traditional teaching methods by using experiential and creative approaches to make learning engaging, practical, and transformative, including:
- Theatre-based techniques
- Role play and simulations
Interactive workshops
Youth-Led Movement
Y-PEER AP is driven by young people. From grassroots initiatives to regional advocacy, youth are at the forefront of designing, implementing, and leading programs.
Strong Regional and Global Network
As part of a global movement, we connect young people across countries and regions, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective advocacy.
Focus on Marginalized and Key Populations
We actively work to ensure that young people from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds are included, heard, and supported—particularly in areas related to SRHR, gender equality, and HIV.
Multi-Sectoral Engagement
Y-PEER operates across multiple sectors to engage at both grassroots and policy levels, creating broader and more sustainable impact., including:
- Health (SRHR, HIV, mental health)
- Gender and social inclusion
- Youth policy and civic engagement