Staff Reporter :
Interim Government Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, emphasised the importance of placing youth and students at the centre of development strategies across the Global South.
Speaking at the inaugural “Leaders’ Session” of the third Voice of Global South Summit on Saturday, Prof Yunus highlighted that the youth make up a substantial portion of the population in these regions.
“Two-thirds of our population is youth. They are the most powerful segment of society.
They are different. They are committed to creating a new world,” he said during the virtual address at the Summit hosted by India.
Professor Yunus praised the capabilities of the younger generation, noting that they are technologically advanced compared to previous generations.
“Yet, all human beings are born as creative beings. They are natural entrepreneurs.
But our education system and financial system are built only for creating job seekers and providing jobs for them,” he explained.
He stressed the need to redesign these systems to harness the potential of the youth, particularly in the Global South, where the young population holds immense creative potential The Summit, which was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featured the theme “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”.
Prof Yunus was personally invited by Modi to attend the event, which brings together leaders from across the Global South.
During his speech, Prof Yunus invited leaders to collaborate on creating social businesses to tackle pressing environmental and social issues. “It can become a massive force if we work together,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the Bangladeshi government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive democracy and facilitating free and fair elections.
“Our government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment in which free, fair and participatory elections can be held,” he said.
Prof Yunus outlined the government’s priorities, which include reforms in electoral systems, the judiciary, local government, media, the economy, and education.
In a lighter moment, Prof Yunus invited the global audience to visit Dhaka, noting that the city has gained a unique distinction.
“Much of Dhaka has turned into the graffiti capital of the world,” he remarked, explaining how young students, some as young as 12, have taken to decorating the walls of the 400-year-old city with images reflecting a “new democratic, environmentally friendly Bangladesh.”
He pointed out that this grassroots initiative has no central planning or financial backing, but is rather an organic expression of the youth’s dedication to the goals of the Second Revolution.
The Summit, which stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’ and India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam philosophy, aims to foster cooperation among nations in the Global South, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.