At the 'Bay of Bengal Conversation 2024' held in Dhaka on November 17, 2024, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need for an economy where growth is shared evenly among all segments of society, not just the privileged. He advocated for a new civilization that addresses both environmental and economic challenges, promoting the concept of social business as a means to achieve zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. Yunus highlighted the critical role of youth in leading sustainable development initiatives, reflecting on the potential of Bangladesh's young population, which comprises half of its 171 million citizens. [c6ef32af]
In conjunction with his economic vision, Yunus reiterated his proposal for a South Asian power grid during the COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 13, 2024. He pointed out that Bangladesh could benefit from importing hydroelectric power from Nepal and Bhutan, which collectively possess a potential capacity of 40,000 megawatts. This initiative aims to enhance regional collaboration and address Bangladesh's energy needs effectively. [39beb779]
Yunus also expressed concern over the ongoing Rohingya crisis, warning that the unresolved situation could destabilize the region. He noted that over 1.3 million Rohingyas currently reside in Bangladesh, and criticized regional actors for their failure to resolve the crisis due to competing interests. [c6ef32af]
During his address at the Bay of Bengal Conversation, Yunus called for urgent action to protect coastal communities from climate change impacts. He expressed gratitude to the Centre for Governance Studies for hosting the event, viewing it as a platform for transformative ideas and resilience. [946bf0dd]
Additionally, Yunus announced plans for a youth festival set for January 2025, coinciding with the T20 BPL cricket tournament, which is expected to attract significant international figures, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and IOC President Thomas Bach. This festival aims to further engage youth in discussions around sustainable development and international cooperation. [39beb779]
The discussions at both the COP29 and the Bay of Bengal Conversation reflect a broader commitment to regional collaboration in addressing climate change, energy needs, and social justice, with Yunus's vision for an inclusive economy and shared power grid serving as potential models for sustainable development in South Asia. [39beb779]