Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has called upon the international community to rally behind his “Three Zero Vision” – zero wealth concentration, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions – as a foundation for inclusive and climate-resilient urban development.
Delivering a video address during the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on Monday, Dr Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to sustainable urban growth. He highlighted ongoing national reforms aligned with the Three Zero goals, positioning them as central to Bangladesh’s development agenda.
The high-level regional forum, held at the UN
Conference Centre in Bangkok, convenes representatives from 53 member states and nine associate members. Bangladesh is being represented by a delegation led by Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, with the rank of State Minister.
In his remarks, Dr Yunus underscored the importance of fostering inclusive and climate-adaptive urban environments. He emphasised the critical need for enhanced regional cooperation to address the mounting challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and climate change, particularly in vulnerable developing economies.
He urged member states to harness the power of youth and innovation as catalysts for sustainable growth and resilience. “The future depends on our ability to equip younger generations with the tools and opportunities to create inclusive, zero-carbon cities,” he said.
Dr Yunus described the ESCAP session as a “strategic platform” that enables countries such as Bangladesh to share best practices, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and reinforce their collective commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He concluded his address with optimism, expressing hope that the week-long session would foster meaningful partnerships and generate practical, scalable strategies for building resilient and equitable urban futures.
