Rome: Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus have jointly launched a "Pope Francis Yunus 3Zero Club" in Rome in an effort to usher in a transformative and inclusive future for humanity. The "3Zero Club" stands as a beacon of hope for the youth in Rome's marginalised communities, providing a platform to develop innovative ideas and create concrete and sustainable solutions. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in a letter to the Vicar General of Rome, Cardinal Baldo Reina, Prof Yunus expressed being "deeply honoured" by the gesture. He extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Cardinal Reina on the occasion, the chief adviser's press wing said today. Prof Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace laureate, remarked that the initiative embodies the shared vision of Pope Francis and his own aspirations for a transformative and inclusive future. The initiative aims to achieve zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions, while fostering a new civilisation grounded in compassion, equity, and sustainability. Prof Yunus emphasised the importance of creating a civilisation where everyone is not only included but also empowered to shape their own destinies, aligning with Pope Francis's recent teachings. Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis's commitment to social justice and his own belief in social business, Prof Yunus highlighted that the 3Zero Club encourages young minds to envision and implement projects that drive meaningful change. By nurturing creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, the club aims to empower young leaders to build a more just and harmonious society. Prof Yunus conveyed his "deepest respects and gratitude" to Pope Francis, urging collective participation in this transformative journey. He called for inspiring the next generation to build a civilisation that honours individual dignity and preserves the planet's sanctity. According to the latest counts, there are at least 4,600 Three Zero clubs globally, many establ ished in universities, all inspired by Prof Yunus's vision for a new civilisation.
