Take action-oriented initiatives, harness technology: Yunus tells D-8 members
Young people should emerge as agile entrepreneurs by reshaping their skills and learning, he says
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged D-8 member states to undertake action-oriented initiatives, harness technology, and reinvent learning to adapt to the evolving "world of work".
Speaking at the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo on Thursday (19 December), Prof Yunus stressed investing in youth, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, reports UNB.
"Young people should emerge as agile entrepreneurs by reshaping their skills and learning," he said, resonating with the summit's theme. Prof Yunus also proposed initiatives to promote youth skill development across D-8 countries.
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The CA returned to Dhaka yesterday evening after wrapping up his Egypt tour for the summit. His flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 5pm, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
During the summit, Prof Yunus handed over the D-8 chairmanship to Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi after a tenure marked by milestones, including the ratification of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement and the establishment of the D-8 Youth Council in Dhaka.
The chief adviser also participated in bilateral meetings with leaders, including the presidents of Egypt and Iran, as well as the prime minister of Pakistan.
He expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral relations and underscored the need for greater collaboration.
The CA's engagements included a meeting with the Malaysian Higher Education Minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and a visit to the New Presidential Palace in Cairo, where he was welcomed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Prof Yunus also addressed a special session on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for international reconstruction efforts.
"The world must move beyond humanitarian interventions and focus on rebuilding Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon," he said.
He reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering support for Palestine and proposed a D-8-led initiative to estimate reconstruction costs and mobilise resources.
The session concluded with a joint communiqué addressing the crisis. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and representatives from international organisations attended the session.
During his trip to Cairo, Prof Yunus also delivered a lecture at Al-Azhar University on Thursday night.
Welcomed by the university's president, Professor Dr Salama Dawoud, and Vice-President Dr Mahmoud Siddiq, Prof Yunus urged students to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams.
He stressed the importance of resilience and determination in achieving success.
The chief adviser's visit to Egypt began on Tuesday night, with his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday morning.
