Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged Asian nations to work together to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for prosperity. “As we look to the future, I believe, Asian nations can work together even more closely to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for prosperity,” he said while delivering his keynote speech at the inaugural session of the ‘Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia’ here this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus stressed the need for converting Asia’s interdependence into cooperation, emphasizing that Asia’s diversity of economies, cultures, and political systems is both its strength and its test. “Our fates are increasingly intertwined. A supply chain disruption in one country ripples across borders,” he noted. He highlighted that environmental degradation in one part of Asia affects rainfall patterns in another, while political instability in one region impacts global energy and trade flows.
The Chief Adviser suggested forging robust economic and technical cooperation, stating that Asia needs a stronger and sustainable way to finance its development. He emphasized that regional development banks and financial institutions should take the lead in funding Asia’s growing needs. Prof Yunus pointed out that Asia is still one of the least connected regions in terms of trade, which holds back investment and business opportunities.
Prof Yunus called for promoting inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability, stressing the importance of not forgetting the billions who still live on the margins, disconnected from opportunity and vulnerable to shocks. He advocated for redesigning the existing system, which he believes creates poverty, to one that promotes inclusion and sustainability at every level.
The Chief Adviser also emphasized the need to invest in people through education, health, social business, and digital access. He highlighted the importance of embracing the coexistence of profit and purpose, and how social business can transform lives where traditional markets and governments fall short.
Regarding environmental issues, Prof Yunus noted that Asia is both a victim and contributor to climate change. He called for a Pan-Asian Green Transition, driven by youth, entrepreneurs, and communities, to support renewable energy cooperatives, climate-smart agriculture, and circular economies.
Prof Yunus underscored the potential of Asia’s youth, half of whom are under 30, as a major strength. He encouraged young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, emphasizing the need for tools, trust, and freedom to allow them to shape their own futures.
In conclusion, Prof Yunus advocated for a shift from wealth concentration to wealth distribution, and from capitalism for profit to capitalism with purpose. He highlighted the success of social business in Bangladesh as an example of how providing dignity, trust, and opportunities can empower people to become change-makers.