Desk Report
Publish: 16 Nov 2024, 01:17 pm
Professor Yunus made remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation || Photo: Collected
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the importance of creating an economy where the benefits of technology and economic growth are equitably distributed among all people.
“Let us challenge one another, listen to different perspectives, and dare to envision a new world with a lifestyle that ensures a sustainable and environmentally safe planet. We must strive to build an economy that shares the fruits of technology and growth equitably, rather than concentrating them in the hands of a privileged few,” he stated.
Professor Yunus made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation, organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at a city hotel this morning.
This year’s conference, themed “A Fractured World,” has brought together over 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and an audience of 800 participants from more than 80 countries.
A 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and renowned optimist, Yunus shared his belief in the transformative power of ideas and imagination. “When we imagine together, it becomes an unstoppable force. Let’s do it,” he urged.
Highlighting the need for a new civilization, Yunus said, “Our current civilization has failed us. Environmentally, it is self-destructive, and economically, it fosters extreme wealth inequality.” He proposed a vision for a world of “three zeros”—zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration through social businesses that solve societal problems instead of prioritizing profit, and zero unemployment by empowering young people to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
Yunus also stressed the urgency of collective action to protect coastal communities from the devastating effects of climate change. “Our region is on the frontline of this crisis. Coastal communities face rising sea levels and changing weather patterns that disrupt lives and livelihoods. This is not a challenge we can defer—it demands immediate and united action,” he said.
He expressed optimism about the region’s potential, particularly its youth. “Ours is a land of immense creativity. With half of our 171 million people under the age of 27, Bangladesh has the potential to lead in sustainable development and green growth,” he noted.
However, Yunus emphasized that realizing this potential requires courage, cooperation, and a strong belief in a shared future. Addressing the participants, he encouraged them to consider ways to build a better world, guided by the energy and vision of the youth working toward a “New Bangladesh.”
Expressing gratitude to the Centre for Governance Studies for organizing the event, he described the gathering as more than just an exchange of ideas, calling it a testament to resilience and shared aspirations.
“Bangladesh has always been a land of dreams, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. Now, more than ever, as we shape our future, voices across the nation continue to demand change rooted in human rights, freedom, justice, and inclusion,” he said.
Reflecting on the conference theme, Yunus acknowledged the world’s many challenges, including economic inequality, social injustice, and climate change. Yet, he pointed to Bangladesh’s history of resilience and its ability to transform adversity into opportunity.
“It is from those experiences—working with villagers and witnessing their strength—that I learned every problem has a solution, provided we have the patience to uncover it, the courage to attempt it, and the persistence to see it through,” he concluded before formally inaugurating this year’s Bay of Bengal Conversation.
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