Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the crucial role of youth in spearheading a shift towards sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship models. “Even if not all ideas become successful projects, the values-empathy, responsibility, and environmental compatibility-they are nurturing will lead to transformative development,” she said while addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the “3ZERO Pitch Competition and Project Closing Event” titled Empathy-Driven Entrepreneurship: Unveiling the 3ZERO Approach.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka. Rizwana, speaking virtually, commended the initiative for fostering a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. She underscored the necessity of redefining traditional metrics of success and development. “We have long associated success with material wealth-cars, apartments, and corporate titles. But your generation is daring to think differently. The 3ZERO approach offers a vision of development that doesn’t exhaust natural resources but rather works in harmony with nature,” she stated.
Rizwana also warned against adhering to outdated, carbon-intensive development models. “We can’t afford to cut down forests and then earn green certifications. That hypocrisy will cost us our planet. Your generation will face more intense climate challenges, and the solutions must come from you,” she continued.
The adviser concluded her remarks with optimism, expressing confidence in the youth’s ability to lead Bangladesh towards a sustainable future. “You’ve already helped the nation overcome deep-rooted crises. I am confident that you will lead Bangladesh towards a future of clean air, safe food, reduced carbon emissions, and climate-resilient prosperity,” she added.
The event marked the successful culmination of the 3ZERO initiative, which engaged youth in designing innovative, sustainable solutions to social and environmental challenges, aligning with Bangladesh’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate resilience.