Social business is a social movement: Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said social business is not merely an idea, but a growing social movement.

He made the remarks in a special video message at a programme titled "Social Business Academia Dialogue", organised by North South University (NSU), in collaboration with Yunus Centre, on the NSU campus in Dhaka.

At the daylong event, three centres — the NSU Social Business Centre, NSU Social Impact & Sustainability Centre, and NSU Climate & Disaster Resilience Centre — were launched.

Yunus said, "We are moving forward to achieve the three zeros: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions. Through this, we aim to build a liveable and equitable world for all."

He added that social business was no longer just a concept. "It is now a social movement. NSU has long been a pioneering academic institution for social business in Bangladesh."

By hosting social business forums and fostering a culture of innovation, NSU has set a strong example for others to follow, he said.

At the event, Nurjahan Begum, adviser to the health and family welfare ministry, stated that to achieve sustainable growth, it was essential to address the three zeros by setting aside profit motives and personal interests.

"Our focus needs to be on creating social impact, fostering environmental sustainability, and ensuring the well-being of our communities. Therefore, promoting accessible healthcare and prioritising public health must be integral to our growth strategy," she added.

Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, adviser to the social welfare ministry, and Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), also spoke.

Murshid said social business belongs to the care community, adding, "It is driven not by greed, but by compassion. It's not about what we can take from vulnerable people, but how we can uplift and support them."

"The vision of the three zeros is not a utopia; it is a practical path towards shared dignity, meaningful work, and a healthier planet," she added.

Lamiya Morshed, principal coordinator of SDGs affairs at the Chief Adviser's Office, said, "Professor Yunus' work has inspired millions around the world."

Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the Board of Trustees at NSU and chairman of City Bank PLC, remarked, "The challenges the world faces today require innovative solutions."

"That is why socially conscious businesses and the concept of the three zeros resonate so strongly. The road ahead won't be easy, but with unity of purpose and shared ideas, there is nothing we cannot overcome," he added.

Erik Solheim, former Norwegian minister of climate and the environment and former executive director of UN Environment, said, "For the first time in human history, we no longer have to choose between economy and ecology; we can achieve both. Bangladesh is in a strong position to lead the way in implementing this balance."

Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of the NGIC and former vice-president of the World Bank, said, "We need more than just knowledge; we need wisdom. Our education system must nurture students to be disciplined, creative, and ethical."

"Such an education will shape a generation committed to achieving the three zeros. NSU has the potential to lead this transformation in education, both in Bangladesh and beyond," he added.

Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of NSU and chairman of Grameen Bank, said the newly inaugurated centres reflect NSU's continued commitment to integrating ethical awareness and sustainability into every aspect of its curriculum.