CA Yunus calls for global transformation through social business

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for collective action to build a better world through social business, describing it as a powerful tool for lasting, positive transformation.

Speaking at the 15th edition of Social Business Day in Savar today (27 June), the Nobel laureate said, "We are not responsible for creating this gloomy world. Some people created it for us. We want to create a beautiful world, and we can do that," reports UNB.

He described the current global scenario as bleak but stressed that change is possible.

"Social business can bring change not only in one country but in the whole world and whole civilisation. We can do it. Let's make it happen."

The two-day event, organised by the Yunus Centre and Grameen Group, is being held at the Samajik Convention Centre in Zirabo.

This year's theme is "Social Business is the Most Effective Way to Ensure Healthcare for All".

In his keynote speech, Yunus said the world is heading down the wrong path and needs a course correction based on selflessness and imagination.

Highlighting ongoing global conflicts involving countries such as India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Iran, Israel and Palestine, he said, "We want to dream. We don't give up dreams. Human beings are about chasing dreams. Imagination—this is the core of the dream we are talking about."

Addressing the challenge of universal healthcare, Yunus said, "No country has successfully resolved that issue—healthcare for everybody. So, that's a challenging area that we have to tackle, and we can tackle."

He said the message of Social Business Day remains the same each year, "We are on the wrong path. If you keep on pursuing this path, all will end up with a massive disaster."

Yunus stressed that redirecting the world is achievable. "You just slowly move in a different direction. That's all—something very doable and something very concrete."

Criticising the global economic system for being based solely on selfishness, Yunus said, "Repeatedly we are trying to focus on the fact that the entire world is built on one dimension of human selfishness. But don't forget the existence of selflessness in us."

He described the event as a family gathering. "We gather together not for making speeches but to inspire ourselves. We always defined our social business day as an occasion for recharging our batteries."

Reflecting on recent movements in Bangladesh, Yunus praised the role of young people in bringing about change. "They have done amazing things. Young people came out and they said—enough is enough."

He said their efforts moved the country from "extreme darkness to the bright light" and could serve as a model for the rest of the world. "Let the world grow in its own way. We create a new world for us, and that's our promise."

Yunus also expressed hope that Bangladesh's experience would serve as a global example. "Bangladesh will become the history for the whole world, not just the history of Bangladesh."

Earlier, Grameen Group Chairman Md Ashraful Hassan opened the programme, which drew over 1,000 participants, including more than 180 international delegates from 38 countries.

Ismail Serageldin, former World Bank vice-president and NGIC co-chair, reminded the audience that real development is driven from the ground up, based on dignity and solidarity.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said social business offers a timely and essential solution to global healthcare inequality.

Founder of Euglena GG Ltd Mitsuru Izumo shared how a promise made in Dhaka 27 years ago grew into a national nutrition movement through social business.

IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach praised Yunus's lifelong commitment to unity and the impact of the social business movement.

Olympian and entrepreneur Kady Kanouté Tounkara spoke about the role of sport in empowering youth and women, contributing to a world of "three zeros"—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

The two-day programme includes five plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions, focusing on social business solutions to challenges in healthcare and beyond.

Speakers include Professor Md Saidur Rahman, Health and Family Welfare Assistant to the Chief Adviser; Omar Ishrak, former CEO of Medtronic and former Chairman of the Board, Intel Corporation; and Erik Solheim, former UN Environment chief and former Norwegian Minister for Environment and Climate.

A special Academia Dialogue will be held on 29 June in collaboration with North South University to explore the role of social business in societal progress.

The Three Zero Club Convention will also take place, focusing on strategies to achieve zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment.