Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus outlined a six-point roadmap towards a more sustainable and equitable world during his keynote address at the Earthna Summit in Qatar today.
Emphasising the importance of collective global action, Prof Yunus called for a paradigm shift in development thinking, rooted in inclusivity, justice, and social innovation.
His first proposal highlighted the urgent need to extend financial inclusion to all marginalised communities, enabling them to build livelihoods and participate fully in the global economy.
Secondly, Prof Yunus advocated for the promotion of social business—a model of enterprise that focuses on solving social and environmental problems rather than generating profit for individuals.
He then emphasised the importance of empowering young people as changemakers, calling for greater investment in their skills and the creation of platforms to amplify their voices.
In his fourth point, the microfinance pioneer stressed that peace and justice are essential foundations for sustainable development, urging the global community to prioritise them in all actions.
Prof Yunus's fifth proposal centred on the moral responsibility of wealthier nations to provide adequate development financing. He urged developed countries to fulfill their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments, particularly the target of 0.2 percent of Gross National Income (GNI) for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which currently stands at just 0.09 percent. He also underscored the need for enhanced concessional financing with disaster clauses to support development efforts in vulnerable nations, including those graduating from LDC status.
His final proposal called for a transformative shift in lifestyle and economic values—towards a counter-culture rooted in zero waste, zero carbon emissions, and zero personal profit. He described this as an economy based on social business, where enterprises are designed not for personal gain but to address critical social and environmental issues.
"The challenges we face are vast, but our capacity for innovation, compassion, and collaboration is even greater," Prof Yunus said, praising Qatar for leading by example through initiatives like the Earthna Summit.
He reflected on Bangladesh’s journey, noting that the country stands ready to forge a new social contract between the state and its people, particularly the youth, grounded in inclusion, justice, and opportunity.
Calling on global partners to work together in rewriting inclusive social contracts, Prof Yunus emphasised the roles of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in driving sustainable development and creating economic opportunities for the underprivileged.
“Let us be bold,” he concluded. “Let us build a world where no one is too poor to dream, and no dream is too big to achieve. The future is not something we inherit—it is something we create, and each one of us has a role to play.”
