Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged young people to become "three-zero persons" to help protect the planet. He made this appeal while delivering the keynote speech at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum, held alongside the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dr. Yunus emphasized that achieving meaningful change requires moving toward a "three-zero civilisation," which consists of zero carbon emissions, zero waste, and zero wealth concentration. “If we want to provide service, we will have to transition to this new civilisation,” he stated.
He warned that the world is heading toward self-destruction due to outdated economic systems that continue to fuel carbon emissions, waste production, and wealth inequality. Stressing the importance of protecting nature, he remarked, “Unless your wealth is shared, you cannot sustain in society.” He further highlighted that human beings are not meant to work under others but are instead born to be entrepreneurs. “Life is about preservation and protection, and that is why the new civilisation of three zeros must be established,” he added.
Discussing the idea of forming "three-zero clubs," Dr. Yunus explained that when five people come together, they can create a club where they personally commit to reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and avoiding wealth concentration—thereby becoming "three-zero persons."
He also reflected on the origins of Grameen Bank, recalling his experience during the 1974 famine and his first microloan to a woman, which eventually led to the launch of his pioneering initiative. Encouraging young people to start small in their pursuit of change, he said, “You cannot change the world in a day... if you want to change, start from your village.”
Towards the end of his speech, Dr. Yunus also expressed his condolences over the recent earthquake that affected Myanmar.
