‘It’ll inspire youths to build Bangladesh they dream of’: Prof Yunus on receiving Harmony Award
UNB :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who received the “King Charles III Harmony Award” at the St James Palace, has said it is a fantastic way to project what they stand for and it will inspire young people in Bangladesh “to create a country they dream of”.
The award recognises Prof Yunus’ “unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence among people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world”.
“It is a wonderful prize,” the Chief Adviser said, thanking His Majesty for standing by Bangladesh during this pivotal period in the country’s history.
“This is a recognition of the work we have done to uplift vulnerable communities and reflect the values His Majesty The King also champions,” the Chief Adviser said while receiving the award.
The King Charles III Harmony Award is awarded to an individual to recognise long-term outstanding commitment to and support for His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy – which looks to prioritise sustainability and nature across all sectors.
Prof Yunus has spent his life promoting social business principles and encouraging sustainable, socially responsible projects, having a significant impact on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh and beyond, according to the King’s Foundation.
Ahead of the Award Ceremony, King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at the Buckingham Palace.
During the half an hour long one-on-one meeting, they discussed the issues of mutual interests, said the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary.
Regarding the prestigious ‘Harmony Award’ by the King Charles III, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said it is a rare honour for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and big honour for the people of Bangladesh.
In June 2024, King Charles launched a new set of awards celebrating living in harmony with nature.
The British monarch is an admirer of Prof Yunus’ work, including his pioneering microcredit bank, his championing social businesses to combat poverty, and his campaign for Three Zeroes to save civilisation from self-destruction, CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.
King Charles even wrote a foreword for one of Prof Yunus’ books, he said.
The King’s Foundation celebrated their 2025 Awards Ceremony at St James’s Palace in the presence of His Majesty The King and nominees, ambassadors and supporters.
This year is particularly special as they celebrate their 35th anniversary at The King’s Foundation.
The King’s Foundation Awards were this year supported by Pragnell. Pragnell is a sixth-generation, British family-run jeweller with a rich heritage spanning over 170 years.
Pragnell shares The King’s Foundation’s commitment to the protection and promotion of heritage craft skills and recognising young talent in the sector.