Staff Reporter: At the G20 Social Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Hon’ble Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, delivered a compelling call to action for world leaders to build a “World of Three Zeros”—a world free of poverty, unemployment, and net carbon emissions. The inaugural session of the G20 Social Summit commenced today with a special virtual message from Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, followed by a keynote address from Mrs. Janja Lula, the First Lady of Brazil. This session marked a significant milestone as Bangladesh became the first country to join the Global Alliance against Poverty and Hunger alongside Brazil – a prestigious achievement for the nation.
Professor Yunus’s visionary address set an inspiring tone at this high-profile event, themed “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” as he urged decisive action for a fairer, more resilient global future. Congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for establishing the G20 Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger, Professor Yunus noted Bangladesh’s role as a founding member of this landmark initiative. This alliance, conceived under Brazil’s G20 presidency, aims to unify efforts in addressing global hunger and poverty. Mentionable, Bangladesh was invited by this year’s G20 Presidency Brazil to contribute to three core pillars of this year’s G20 deliberations: women’s empowerment, climate sustainability, and the global fight against poverty and hunger.
Professor Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to uplifting communities, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing sustainable development.
In a powerful call to action, Professor Yunus stated, “No nation can shy away from doing its bit in redeeming shared responsibility.” He emphasized the urgent need for trustworthy institutions and systems to restore faith in eroded structures and to mobilize intellectual, financial, and youth power toward sustainable solutions. Advocating for this transformative approach, he highlighted the importance of adopting a new mindset and lifestyle focused on reduced consumption, which is essential to achieving the vision of a “World of Three Zeros.”
Professor Muhammad Yunus ended his remarks by extending an invitation to President Lula to visit Bangladesh, aiming to collaborate on transformative solutions to build a world free from poverty and hunger.
Mr. M.A. Akmall Hossain Azad, Senior Secretary of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, presented Bangladesh’s commitment to integrated maternal and early childhood care as part of the nation’s Statement of Commitment to the Alliance. Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Brazil, and Jasim Uddin, Counsellor at the Embassy of Bangladesh, were also in attendance at the event, representing the country at this significant global gathering.
To date, the Global Alliance has grown to 30 founding members, comprising UN member states, UN agencies, and international organizations. Over 300 participants, including ministers, senior officials, and dignitaries from around the world, attended the G20 Social Summit.
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