NSU inaugurates three centres to advance social business and sustainability

North South University (NSU), in collaboration with the Yunus Centre, hosted a day-long programme on Sunday to mark the Social Business Academia Dialogue and 3Zero Club Convention, culminating in the inauguration of three landmark centres focused on social innovation, sustainability and climate resilience.

The ceremony was graced by Nurjahan Begum, Hon'ble Adviser to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the chief guest. Distinguished special guests included Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare; Dr Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former World Bank Vice President; Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), Chief Advisor's Office; Erik Solheim, former Norwegian Minister of Climate and former Executive Director of UN Environment; and Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NSU, and Chairman, City Bank PLC.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem, followed by cultural performances reflecting Bangladesh's rich heritage. A video message from Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Government, highlighted the growing global momentum of the three-zero vision: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions.

"Social business is no longer just an idea—it is a global movement," said Professor Yunus. "NSU has been a pioneer in academic engagement with social business."

Nurjahan Begum emphasised the need to move beyond profit motives. "Growth must prioritise public health, environmental sustainability and social impact," she said.

Aziz Al Kaiser noted, "The world's challenges require socially conscious business models. With unity and shared purpose, we can overcome them."

Dr Serageldin added, "Education must go beyond knowledge—it must cultivate wisdom, creativity and ethics to achieve the three zeros."

The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the NSU Social Business Centre, NSU Social Impact & Sustainability Centre, and NSU Climate & Disaster Resilience Centre.

Professor Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU and Chairman of Grameen Bank, presided over the ceremony. "These new centres mark a transformative step in NSU's mission to develop ethical, globally aware leaders prepared to address complex challenges," he said.