Savar: Focusing on the transformative power of social business to make real and lasting positive changes, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed the desire to create a beautiful and better world for all, breaking free from the current gloom and driving meaningful transformation through social business.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus conveyed his vision at the inaugural session of the 15th edition of Social Business Day, emphasizing that the current state of the world is not of their making, but rather the result of actions by a few. He asserted that they are not responsible for this gloomy world and expressed a strong will to create a beautiful one. The event, jointly organized by the Yunus Centre and Grameen Group, is being held at the Samajik Convention Centre in Zirabo, Savar, under the theme “Social Business is the Most Effective Way to Ensure Healthcare for All.”
Speaking as the chief guest and keynote speaker, Prof Yunus highlighted the potential of social business to effect change not only in individual countries but globally. He called upon global changemakers to work together towards a world of “three zeros”-zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions-emphasizing the need for selflessness, imagination, and social business to build a just and sustainable future.
In his speech, Prof Yunus referenced the conflicts witnessed this year, involving nations such as India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Palestine, urging the audience not to give up on their dreams of a better world. He underscored the importance of imagination in realizing these dreams and acknowledged the universal challenge of healthcare accessibility, stating that no country has successfully resolved this issue, but it remains a critical area to address.
Prof Yunus stressed the necessity of changing the current global trajectory, warning that continuing on the present path could lead to disaster. He advocated for a gradual shift towards a more selfless and altruistic direction, noting the dual existence of selfishness and selflessness within human beings.
Highlighting the achievements of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus praised young people for their remarkable contributions in moving the nation from “extreme darkness to bright light,” suggesting that their efforts have global significance. He reiterated the potential for young people worldwide to enact similar transformations and emphasized the importance of creating a new world and civilization.
The event commenced with a welcome session chaired by Md Ashraful Hassan, Chairman of Grameen Group, setting the stage for two days of dialogue and innovation. Notable speakers included Ismail Serageldin, former VP of the World Bank, and Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, who underscored the role of social business in addressing healthcare inequalities.
The two-day program features plenary and breakout sessions aimed at exploring diverse perspectives and ideas, with over a thousand participants, including more than 180 international delegates from 38 countries. Prominent figures such as Omar Ishrak, Erik Solheim, and Kady Kanout© Tounkara are among the key speakers.
An extended program, including a special Academia Dialogue in collaboration with North South University and the Three Zero Club Convention, will further explore the impact of social business on societal progress and the achievement of zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment globally.