Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said that social business is no longer just an idea, but has evolved into a global social movement.
Prof Yunus said, “North South University (NSU) has long been a pioneer in promoting social business education in Bangladesh. Through initiatives like the Social Business Forum and fostering a culture of innovation, NSU has set a strong example for others to follow.”
In a special video message, he was addressing a day long ‘Social Business Academia Dialogue’ and ‘Three Zero Club Convention’ organised jointly by North South University and Yunus Centre.
“We are working towards achieving the goal of ‘Three Zeros’ — zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. Through this, we want to build a liveable and equitable world for all,” Prof Yunus added.
Prof Yunus celebrates birthday with global social business family
Health and Family Welfare Affairs Adviser Nurjahan Begum attended the event as the chief guest, while Social Welfare Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator at the Chief Adviser’s Office Lamiya Morshed, and NSU Board of Trustees and City Bank PLC Chairman Aziz Al Kaiser were present as special guests.
Addressing the event, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum said, “To achieve sustainable growth, we must focus on fulfilling the Three Zero goals. We need to look beyond profit and personal interest, prioritising social impact, environmental sustainability, and the welfare of people.”
Ensuring access to healthcare should also be an integral part of our development strategy, she added.
Sharmeen S Murshid said that social business is rooted not in greed, but in empathy. “It’s not about taking from the poor, but about empowering them and improving their lives.”
She noted that the dream of achieving the Three Zeros is not a fantasy, but a real journey towards dignity for all, meaningful employment, and a healthier planet.
Lamiya Morshed noted that the theme of the event aligns with global priorities while reflecting Prof Yunus’ philosophy. “His work has inspired millions around the world. I hope this programme will help take that vision even further,” she added.
The event was presided over by NSU Vice-Chancellor and also Grameen Bank Chairman Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury.
The event also saw the formal inauguration of three new centres at NSU, the NSU Social Business Centre, the NSU Social Impact and Sustainability Centre, and the NSU Climate and Disaster Resilience Centre.