Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has emphasised the importance of collective effort saying ideas, when supported and scaled, can contribute to solving global challenges.
He also highlighted ongoing initiatives in healthcare and introduced the vision for Grameen University, an entrepreneurship-driven institution designed to enable students to build and launch ventures during their studies.
Prof Yunus made remarks while speaking at the Yunus Global Forum 2026 held at the United Nations University, Tokyo on Thursday, organised by Earth Identity Project, led by Kawahara-san.
The forum brought together practitioners, students, and leaders to discuss social business and the vision of a world with three zeros—zero poverty, zero unemployment through entrepreneurship and zero net carbon emissions.
The event featured keynote remarks by Professor Muhammad Yunus, alongside speeches from the Bangladesh Ambassador and the Vice Rector of the United Nations University.
Japanese social businesses presented practical models, including large-scale circular economy initiatives focused on recycling, plastics, and resource efficiency.
A notable presentation came from Mitsuru Izumo, founder of Euglena, who shared that more than 20 million packets of Euglena-fortified biscuits have been distributed to schoolchildren in Bangladesh to address nutrition challenges.
He noted that his journey began 27 years ago as a JICA volunteer in Bangladesh, where he was inspired by Professor Yunus and the work of Grameen Bank.
Euglena, a nutrient-rich microorganism, is also being developed as a biofuel, with early applications already tested in aviation.
Three “Three Zero Club” presentations drew attention, particularly as they were delivered by school students engaged in social business initiatives.
One focused on reducing plastic waste through water stations and reusable bottles.
Another explored the use of Washi, a traditional Japanese material, for low-cost and climate-sensitive housing in Bangladesh. A third introduced “My Earring,” a product designed to be worn without ear piercing.
Additional insights were shared by the mayor of Sakai in Ibaraki Prefecture, where local innovations in governance, taxation, and transport are being implemented as potential models.
The forum also included a panel discussion on advancing the three zeros agenda, focusing on scaling ideas, collaboration, and implementation.
Md. Ashraful Hassan, Managing Director and CEO of Grameen Telecom Trust; Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director of the Yunus Centre; and Shazeeb M Khairul Islam, Founder of YY Ventures, also attended the forum.