Bangladesh aims to be beacon of hope for world

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (22 April) told a global audience that Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment — ready to forge a new social contract where the state and its citizens, especially the youth, co-create a future grounded in inclusion, tradition, justice, dignity, and opportunity.

"We want to stand as a beacon of hope for the world and invite our friends and partners to reimagine inclusive social contracts and explore the role of social business and financial inclusion," said Prof Yunus at the opening session of the Earthna Summit 2025.

He highlighted microfinance as a key tool for promoting sustainable development and expanding economic opportunities for marginalized communities, reports UNB.

He emphasized the need for a social framework where financial inclusion and the empowerment of underserved groups are central.

Despite aspirations for a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future, Prof Yunus warned of looming threats that could derail development efforts.

"We live in a time of profound uncertainty. Multilateralism is under threat, climate change is accelerating, geopolitical tensions are rising, and humanitarian crises are deepening. Emerging norms, technologies, and governance models are reshaping our world, rendering many past assumptions obsolete," he said.

Prof Yunus stressed that the urgency for renewed regional and global cooperation has never been greater.

“Let us be bold. Let us build a world where no one is too poor to dream, and no dream is too big to achieve,” he urged. “The future is not something we inherit — it is something we create. And each one of us has a role to play.”

In his keynote address, Prof Yunus also praised Qatar’s leadership, saying initiatives like the Earthna Summit demonstrate how a nation can harness innovation, tradition, and partnerships to tackle the climate crisis, social inequality, and the evolving nature of work.

He extended his gratitude to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of the foundation, for hosting what he described as a timely and impactful summit.

The second edition of the Earthna Summit, themed “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge,” underscores Qatar’s commitment to promoting sustainability in hot and arid environments by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems.

Held from April 22–23, the summit will feature presentations, interactive panels, workshops, and roundtable discussions exploring how traditional knowledge and modern innovations can shape a more resilient and inclusive future.

Additionally, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb will host inspiring talks and discussions led by global experts and innovators. A series of partner-led side events will also facilitate networking and engagement with local stakeholders.