Rizwana urges youth to embrace sustainable, inclusive entrepreneurship
Even if not all ideas become successful projects, the values they are nurturing — empathy, responsibility, and environmental compatibility — will lead to transformative development, she says
Today's youth must lead a paradigm shift towards sustainable, inclusive models of entrepreneurship — ones that aim for zero exclusion, zero carbon, and zero poverty, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (12 April).
"Even if not all ideas become successful projects, the values they are nurturing — empathy, responsibility, and environmental compatibility — will lead to transformative development," she made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the "3ZERO Pitch Competition and Project Closing Event" in Dhaka, reads a ministry press release.
Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, organised the event titled Empathy-Driven Entrepreneurship: Unveiling the 3ZERO Approach.
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Addressing the gathering virtually, she applauded the initiative for promoting a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs.
The adviser spoke about the need to redefine success and development. "We have long associated success with material wealth — cars, apartments, and corporate titles. But your generation is daring to think differently. The 3ZERO approach offers a vision of development that doesn't exhaust natural resources but rather works in harmony with nature."
She also cautioned against following outdated models of carbon-intensive development, noting, "We can't afford to cut down forests and then earn green certifications. That hypocrisy will cost us our planet. Your generation will face more intense climate challenges, and the solutions must come from you."
"You've already helped the nation overcome deep-rooted crises. I am confident you will lead Bangladesh towards a future of clean air, safe food, reduced carbon emissions, and climate-resilient prosperity," she added.
The event celebrated the culmination of the 3ZERO initiative, which engaged youth in designing innovative, sustainable solutions to social and environmental challenges, in alignment with Bangladesh's commitment to the SDGs and climate resilience.
