Earthna Summit: CA Yunus to highlight role of social business, financial inclusion in fostering sustainable dev
In his speech at Earthana Summit, the chief adviser is likely to highlight the role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities for marginalised communities
Highlights:
- Yunus to deliver speech at Earthna Summit-2025 in Qatar today
- Speech will highlight social business, microfinance for sustainable development
- Bangladesh seeks stronger economic cooperation with Qatar, especially in energy
- Earthna Summit explores sustainability through traditional knowledge and innovation approaches
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend at least 10 events, including delivering his speech at the Earthna Summit-2025 today (22 April) as he begins a series of engagements in the capital city of gas-rich Gulf kingdom.
Yunus will attend the opening ceremony of the Earthana Summit - 2025 from 9am to 10am (Doha time), his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.
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In his inspiring speech, the chief adviser is likely to highlight the role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities for marginalised communities.
He relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone.
Prof Yunus arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 9:40pm, local time.
He was received with a red carpet reception by Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, the Chief of Protocol of Qatar and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Nazrul Islam upon his arrival at Hamad International Airport.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, are accompanying the Chief Adviser.
Qatar, once one of the poorest Gulf states, is one of the richest countries in the region today.
Prof Yunus will attend the welcome reception with VVIP guests of the Summit before joining the opening session of the Summit.
The reception will be hosted by Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson & CEO of Qatar Foundation at Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
After the opening session of the Summit, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of the Amir of the State of Qatar and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, will meet Prof Yunus.
Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairpersonand CEO, Qatar Foundation will be present during the meeting.
Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of QFFD and Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, Assistant CEO for International Operations Sector of Qatar Charity will also meet the Chief Adviser separately.
Prof Yunus will attend the lunch to be hosted by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation.
Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar will meet the Chief Adviser and will discuss issues of mutual interest.
Al Jazeera has invited the Chief Adviser to its headquarters where they will interview him, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.
Acting Managing Director, Director of News, Managers of input and output will receive the Chief Adviser there.
Qatar Foundation media team will also interview Prof Yunus.
In the evening on Tuesday (5:30pm to 6:30pm), Prof Yunus will attend a private business reception in honor of his visit.
He is scheduled to discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.
Bangladesh is eyeing a stronger economic cooperation with Qatar and greater engagement in the energy sector.
.The Chief Adviser is paying the visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister in addition to other engagements.
Since there is a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG import, Press Secretary Alam said Bangladesh will have a discussion on greater energy sector cooperation.
He said there will be an investment Summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects positive response.
CA Yunus' arrival in Qatar
Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar.
Press Secretary Alam said the visa issues will also be discussed.
He said there will be an event on the Rohingya issue where global stakeholders will participate.
Alam hoped that the Rohingya issue would be brought back to global attention as there are efforts from the interim government.
Earthna Summit
The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme "Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge" highlights Qatar's commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems.
The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future.
During the two days – 22-23 April, the Earthna Summit will explore a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables.
Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb will host a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration.
A number of side events by partners will host a series of networking activations and discussions lead by local stakeholders.
The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home on 25 April.
