Transform Asia into a beacon of shared prosperity: CA Yunus tells Nikkei Forum in Tokyo

Urging Asian nations to chart a new course of cooperation, inclusion, and sustainability, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday outlined a seven-point agenda aimed at transforming Asia into a beacon of shared prosperity by unlocking new opportunities.

"As we look to the future, I believe Asian nations can work together even more closely to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for prosperity," he said while delivering his keynote speech at the inaugural session of the 'Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia' held here this morning.

"We need to build a clear path towards a shared future and shared prosperity," he added, presenting seven proposals to achieve this goal.

Highlighting the importance of transforming Asia's interdependence into cooperation, Prof Yunus said Asia's diversity of economies, cultures, and political systems is both its strength and its test.

"Our fates are increasingly intertwined. A supply chain disruption in one country ripples across borders," the chief adviser observed.

He said environmental degradation in one part of Asia affects rainfall patterns in another while political instability in one region impacts global energy and trade flows.

"Our job is to convert this interdependency into cooperation, not conflict; to invest in shared prosperity, not zero-sum rivalries," said Prof Yunus, also a Nobel laureate.

He advocated for forging robust economic and technical cooperation saying Asia needs a stronger and sustainable way to finance its development. "Regional development banks and financial institutions should take the lead in funding our growing needs."

Stating that Asia is still one of the least connected regions in terms of trade, the chief adviser said, this lack of integration holds back investment and business opportunities.  "We must act now to improve trade partnerships across the region. Asia should build a strong technology ecosystem—one that is inclusive, fair, and sustainable.

Emphasising the need to promote inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability, he said, 'We must not forget the billions who still live on the margins—disconnected from opportunity, vulnerable to shocks.'"

"My life's work has shown that poverty is not created by the poor; it is created by the system. We must redesign that system. The world we inherited was built on assumptions of trickle-down economics, centralised control, and the maximisation of wealth," Prof Yunus said.

He said there was a need to build a new architecture—one that promotes inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability at every level, adding that this is where Asia could lead.

Calling for a transformation of lives through investment in people, the chief adviser said: "Let us invest not just in infrastructure and industrialisation, but in people—through education, health, social business, and digital access."

He focused on embracing the idea that profit and purpose can coexist—and that social business can transform lives where traditional markets and governments fall short.

Regarding the green transition, Prof Yunus stated that Asia is both a victim and a contributor to climate change.

He pointed out that rising sea levels threaten Bangladesh and the Pacific Islands, while glaciers in the Himalayas are melting, endangering freshwater supplies for billions.

"We need a Pan-Asian Green Transition—driven by youth, entrepreneurs, and communities. Let us support renewable energy cooperatives, climate-smart agriculture, and circular economies. Let us create platforms that allow grassroots innovators to scale across borders," Prof Yunus said.

He also underscored the need for taping the potentials of youth and shifting from job seekers to job creators.

Half of Asia's population is under 30, who are Asia's greatest strengths and their creativity and energy should be at the center of our efforts, the chief adviser said.

"Our youth are ready—but they need the tools, trust, and freedom to shape their own futures. Social business, digital platforms, and microfinance can unleash a new wave of grassroots-led innovation," he said.

Prof Yunus said he always encourage young people not to wait to find a job but create one.

Noting that human being is born to become entrepreneurs, hr said "Build something that solves a problem. Be a job creator, not just a job seeker".

Finally, he said, in a turbulent world, people's empowerment and grassroot leadership matters more than ever.

Asia must offer not just economic strength, but a new moral compass—one that champions peace over power, cooperation over competition, sustainability over short-term gain, the chief adviser said.

"We must move from wealth concentration to wealth distribution, from capitalism for profit to capitalism with purpose. In my country Bangladesh, we have seen how social business has uplifted millions...Let that be a lesson: when people are given dignity, trust, and a chance—they rise. Not just as workers, but as change-makers," the Chief Adviser said.

In his keynote speech with theme 'Asian Challenges in a Turbulent World', Prof Yunus said the world is getting increasingly turbulent. "We are passing a time of great uncertainty. We are witnessing a world where peace is fragile, tensions are growing, and cooperation is not always guaranteed.

Mentioning that conflicts are erupting in regions in Asia and beyond with peace becoming elusive, he said wars and man-made conflicts are destroying the lives and livelihood of thousands in Ukraine, Gaza, and in the countries in south and southeast Asia.

"In our neighbouring country Myanmar, civil war has taken a brutal turn, and the recent earthquake has pushed an already deep humanitarian crisis into greater darkness…Very recently, our two neighbours have fought a short but expensive war. Regrettably, we are spending billions in fighting wars leaving millions of our people starving or struggling for basic needs," the chief adviser said.

He thanked the leaders of the two countries for agreeing to a ceasefire, and hope for continued peace, stability, and peaceful coexistence in South Asia.

Prof Yunus said the rise of trade restrictions continues to challenge the very foundation of the free trade system. "Economic inequalities are widening, often within societies as much as between them."

"In recent times, we witnessed such divisions, discontent, and instability in Bangladesh, Republic of Korea that led to regime changes," he said.

About the Bangladesh's recent changes, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh went through a transformational change by a student-led mass uprising last year and consequently his government took over.

"We are working hard to fulfil the dreams and aspiration of our people, to ensure justice, equality, freedom, and dignity of people, and prepare for a free, fair, credible general election aiming at smooth transition to democracy. We believe, this is a chance to correct the wrongs, build new institutions, and realise the dream of a fairer society," he said.

In spite of facing multiple domestic challenges, the chief adviser said, Bangladesh is playing its role, contributing to global peace and security through its participation in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions, and hosting more than a million Rohingyas fleeing persecution in their homeland in Myanmar purely on humanitarian ground.

Describing Asia as a home to more than half of humanity, sits at the epicenter of this uncertainty and it is also at the centre of possibility at the same time.

"The challenges we face are formidable, and so is our collective strength. In this reality, I believe Asia has an opportunity - perhaps even a responsibility - to show a different path. A path of peace, of dialogue, of inclusive growth. Not just growth in numbers, but growth in people's well-being, in trust, in hope," he said.

"Emphasising the need for a new kind of economy, Prof Yunus said "One that is built not only on competition, but on compassion. Not just on consumption, but on care. This is where social business comes in - a business that solves problems, not just makes profits."

He said Nikkei has created a space where dialogue leads to solutions, and where trust is not just a word, but a goal they work toward together.

"The future of Asia is not just about economics or geopolitics but it is about people, ideas and courage. Let us not be daunted by the turbulence around us. Rather see it as a call—to rethink, to rebuild, and to rise together," the chief adviser said.

Stating that the future of Asia is not written yet, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh and Japan can work together in rewriting Asia's destiny, even world's destiny.