United News of Bangladesh

Sharing five specific initiatives with global stakeholders, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said the path to a sustainable and equitable future lies in their collective action. Delivering his keynote speech at the Earthna Summit-2025, Prof Yunus said the safety of the environment demands a new way of living which is based on the principles of zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration through the creation of social businesses and zero unemployment by becoming entrepreneurs. "This is how we will create a new civilization that fosters sustainable development for everyone, everywhere," he said. Bangladesh wants to be beacon of hope for the world, says Prof Yunus at Earthna Summit The Chief Adviser said the climate crisis is also intensifying and the fact that funding for the global effort in this regard may dwindle in future is increasing. "It is an existential threat for all of us. However, we are still continuing to uphold self-destructive values," Prof Yunus said, adding that they have chosen a lifestyle that works against nature; one that thrives on limitless consumption. Profit maximisation is treated like the force of gravity, propelling every element of the system toward unsustainable outcomes, he said. Five Initiatives Shared by Prof Yunus "First, we must expand financial inclusion to reach all marginalised communities empowering individuals with the financial tools they need to build livelihoods and participate fully in the economy. Earthna Summit: Qatari ministers, global dignitaries extend warm welcome to Prof Yunus Second, we must champion social business as a powerful tool for addressing social and environmental challenges, fostering enterprises that prioritise purpose over profit. Third, we must recognise the crucial role of the youth as agents of change and creating platforms for their voices to be heard and investing in their skills and potential. Fourth, we must work towards peace and justice globally, recognising that these are fundamental prerequisites for sustainable development and the well-being of all humanity. Fifth, we must not forget the moral obligation of the global community for providing necessary financing for undertaking the aforementioned activities. Developed countries must meet their ODA commitments, particularly the 0.2% GNI target for the LDCs, which remains at 0.09%. Enhanced concessional financing, with disaster clauses, is critical for sustaining development momentum including in the graduating countries." Finally, Prof Yunus said, they must create another culture; a counter-culture based on a different lifestyle. "This lifestyle will be rooted in zero waste, zero carbon and an economy based primarily on zero personal profit, i.e., on social business," he said. This kind of business is a non-dividend enterprise designed specifically to solve social and environmental problems, Prof Yunus said.    

Bangladesh is eyeing a stronger economic cooperation with Qatar as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to leave for Doha this (Monday) evening to attend the Earthna Summit 2025 and discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in the afternoon, noting that the Chief Adviser will have a series of engagements during the visit. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad were also present. Prof Yunus and his entourage members will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7pm, Alam said. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, will accompany the Chief Adviser during the visit. Want to be good, close neighbours, says Prof Yunus seeking stronger Dhaka-Beijing ties  The Chief Adviser will pay the four-day official visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed in addition to other engagements. Since there is a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG import, Press Secretary Alam said Bangladesh will have a discussion on greater energy sector cooperation. He said there will be an investment Summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects a positive response. Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar. Press Secretary Alam said the visa issues will also be discussed. He said there will be a long event on the Rohingya issue where global stakeholders will participate. He hoped that the Rohingya issue would be brought back to global attention as there are efforts from the interim government. Quick national consensus possible through dialogue: Ali Riaz   In a historic first, four national women athletes from Bangladesh will accompany the Chief Adviser during his upcoming four-day visit to Qatar, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The delegation includes footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana. This is the first time a group of female athletes will travel as part of an official state delegation with a head of government of Bangladesh. The Qatar Foundation extended the invitation to the athletes through the Chief Adviser’s office. On Thursday evening, the four athletes met Professor Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where they discussed their goals for the visit and expressed their excitement. "We are thrilled to be part of this visit. It's not just a personal honour but also a proud moment for our teammates and the sports community in Bangladesh," the footballers were quoted by the press wing as saying. They added that they hoped to invite the Qatari women's football team for a friendly match and were eager to explore Qatar's sports facilities and professional training methods. The cricketers expressed their desire to spark interest in cricket in Qatar, where the sport is not yet widely followed. "We've prepared a presentation to introduce both our men's and women's cricket journeys." During the meeting, the athletes also shared their personal struggles and thanked the Chief Adviser for giving them the opportunity to represent the country abroad. Dr Yunus praised the athletes for their resilience and passion. "You are Bangladesh's sports ambassadors. Share your real stories. Represent our country's spirit and progress through sports," he said. He assured full support from his office to ensure the success of their trip. Earthna Summit The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” highlights Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems. Dr Yunus urges quick implementation of Women Affairs Commission’s recommendations. The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future. During the two days – April 22-23 -- the Earthna Summit will explore a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables. Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb will host a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration. A number of side events by partners will host a series of networking activations and discussions lead by local stakeholders. Dr Yunus relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home on April 25.