Yunus highlights social business, youth and technology at 81st UNGA

Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus addressed a high-level side event on “Social Business, Youth and Technology” held during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday (22 September).

He highlighted the potential of microfinance, social business, youth entrepreneurship and technology in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a World of Three Zeros.

Professor Yunus congratulated Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He also extended special greetings to José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste and 1996 Nobel Peace Laureate, who attended the event.

He reflected on the 50-year journey of microfinance, the work of Grameen America and the role of social business in addressing various challenges facing society, particularly in healthcare.

Drawing on examples from Bangladesh, Professor Yunus highlighted healthcare centres, telehealth services and eye-care centres operated under social business initiatives, aimed at expanding access to healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.

Speaking about education and youth, Professor Yunus highlighted Grameen University, describing it as a different kind of university that seeks to prepare students not to become job seekers, but “job creators.” He said the university is dedicated to building a World of Three Zeros and will encourage students to pursue entrepreneurial initiatives alongside their formal education.

Khalilur, president of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly and foreign minister, called for fundamental changes to the system rather than repeatedly addressing crises as they emerge.

He stressed the urgent need to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that with only four years remaining until the 2030 deadline, just slightly more than 30 percent of the SDG targets are currently on track or progressing at the desired pace.

Khalilur described social business as an effective pathway towards sustainable development, highlighting its potential to move societies beyond short-term relief towards self-sustaining solutions.

President Ramos-Horta warmly congratulated Professor Yunus on Bangladesh’s democratic transition, recalling his visit to Bangladesh in December 2024, shortly after beginning his second term as President of Timor-Leste.

The event emphasised the importance of placing people and social purpose at the centre of economic activity. It also highlighted the need to empower young people as entrepreneurs and problem-solvers, while harnessing technology to advance inclusive and sustainable development.

The event was organised as part of the week-long high-level programme held in New York on the occasion of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The event was moderated by Dominique V Dauster, Managing Director, YY Foundation, and Alex Wang, Managing Director, Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals and President, Youthink Center.