Staff Reporter :
Reverend Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), on Sunday expressed the organisation’s full support for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s vision of a “Three Zero World” – one free from net wealth concentration, unemployment, and carbon emissions.
“Promoting the principles of the Three Zero framework is central to the mission of the World Council of Churches.
This shared vision forms a strong foundation for collaboration, and we are honoured to stand alongside you in this endeavour,” Reverend Pillay stated during a courtesy visit to the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
Reverend Pillay, who leads the Geneva-based global ecumenical body, reiterated the WCC’s steadfast support for Bangladesh’s Interim Government, particularly in its initiatives aimed at advancing peace, social justice, and interfaith harmony.
“We are here in solidarity with your leadership and the direction you are charting,” he affirmed. “Returning to Bangladesh after two decades serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing commitment to your country.
We share your aspirations for unity, equity, and sustainable peace, and commend your government’s efforts to realise these goals.”
Professor Yunus warmly welcomed the WCC delegation and expressed appreciation for their continued encouragement and partnership.
“We are doing everything within our ability – the challenges are many, but our determination remains unwavering,” he said. “Your support is deeply valued, and we look forward to future engagements.”
The WCC is a global fellowship representing 352 member churches and more than 500 million Christians worldwide. It has long been an advocate for interfaith cooperation, climate justice, and inclusive development.
Reverend Pillay also lauded Bangladesh’s role as a frontrunner in climate resilience and innovation, highlighting the recent establishment of a WCC-supported climate centre in Gazipur.
“Bangladesh is home to some of the world’s most innovative and skilled engineers in the field of climate adaptation,” he noted, commending the country’s proactive stance on environmental issues.
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hasan also attended the meeting. Reverend Pillay was accompanied by senior WCC officials, including Dinesh Suna, Programme Executive; Bishop Philip Adhikary, President of the Federation of Protestant Churches of Bangladesh (FPCB); Wing Commander Christopher Adhikary (Retd), President of the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh (NCCB); and Reverend Dipok Das, General Secretary of the NCCB.
The high-level engagement is viewed as a positive affirmation of Bangladesh’s growing international cooperation on faith-based and development-focused initiatives, particularly under the leadership of the current interim administration.
