Thursday, 05 December, 2024
The government is considering adopting Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’s transformative “Three Zero” theory—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions—to fast-track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The three-zero theory is a social and economic outlook. Youth endeavour, use of technology, good governance and social business can help achieve the three zero goals, they said. Founder of Grameen Bank and the Noble Peace Laureate Professor Yunus has been much appreciated around the world for his three-zero theory.
Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs, while speaking to BSS, highlighted that efforts are underway to align the Three Zero theory with SDG targets. “We aim to create awareness at all levels to integrate this concept into sustainable development initiatives,” she said, citing workshops with public and private stakeholders as key steps toward this goal.
Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director of Yunus Centre, emphasized that the government seeks to encourage voluntary adoption of the theory rather than imposing it. “The idea is to inspire people to embrace the Three Zero principles within their capacities,” she explained.
Global Recognition of the Three Zero Theory
Professor Yunus presented his vision at COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he called for a lifestyle shift based on zero waste, renewable energy, and sustainable consumption.
“To survive, we need a counter-culture focused on essential needs, zero waste, and zero carbon emissions. This economy must prioritize social businesses and renewable energy, ensuring environmental and social welfare,” Yunus stated.
The concept of social business, which forms the backbone of the Three Zero theory, emphasizes non-dividend enterprises aimed at solving societal and environmental issues. Profits are reinvested in public welfare initiatives such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
A key component of the Three Zero theory is the empowerment of young people. “Education must shift from producing job seekers to fostering entrepreneurs,” Yunus asserted. He envisions each individual as a “Three Zero Person,” embodying the principles of zero net carbon, zero wealth concentration through social businesses, and zero unemployment by becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Lamiya Morshed highlighted the global success of Three Zero Clubs, with over 4,600 established across universities in 39 countries. These clubs promote youth-led initiatives aligned with the Three Zero principles.
While Bangladesh has been slower to embrace these clubs, efforts are accelerating. “The number of workshops on the theory has increased, and there’s growing grassroots interest,” Morshed said. She also noted that initial resistance during politically challenging times had stifled the movement’s expansion but that the scenario is improving.
Upcoming initiatives, such as incorporating the Three Zero concept in the Youth Festival in January, aim to raise awareness among Bangladesh’s youth. Organizers are also exploring innovative ways to link the theory to social activities, such as promoting zero waste practices at large events.
“We are working to involve global figures like Messi to amplify the message of sustainability,” Morshed said.
Dr. MA Razzak, Chairman of the research organization RAPID and a former chief economist at the Commonwealth Secretariat, praised the theory’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth. “The Three Zero Theory will act as a catalyst for sustainable development, fostering entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Prof. Yunus believes the Three Zero theory is not just a strategy but a vision for a new civilization. “We created the problems in society ourselves, and it is the youth who will solve them with their innovative ideas,” he said.
As Bangladesh integrates this transformative framework into its development agenda, it seeks to position itself as a global leader in sustainable innovation, building a society free of poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation.
Prof Yunus and the Revolutionary 'Three Zeros' Vision
The renowned economist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and founder of Grameen Bank, Professor Muhammad Yunus, captivated a global audience at the 6th Social Business Day with his visionary Three Zeros theory. Far from conventional mathematics, Yunus redefined the equation 0+0+0 = 100,000 or even 1 million, illustrating his belief in the transformative power of human potential when combined with social innovation.
Addressing 1,600 attendees, including 250 delegates from 30 countries, at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), Prof Yunus presented his Three Zeros action plan: achieving zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. According to Yunus, this paradigm is not only necessary for sustainable development but also the only viable path forward for humanity.
To realize this ambitious vision, Yunus outlined four critical pillars:
Youth Empowerment
Prof Yunus emphasized the boundless creativity and energy of the youth, terming them the world's greatest asset. He urged societies to give young people the freedom, guidance, and support they need to drive transformative change. "We must believe in our youth. They have the 'can-do' spirit to achieve the impossible," he said.
Harnessing Technology
Technology, Yunus argued, is a double-edged sword. While it has revolutionized life, its benefits remain concentrated among the wealthy. He called for repurposing technological innovations to address global challenges like poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation. "Technology must be used to trigger sustainable growth, not widen the gap between rich and poor," he stressed.
Social Business Revolution
Challenging the prevailing capitalist narrative, Yunus championed social business—businesses aimed at solving societal problems without profit motives. He critiqued the greed-driven focus of traditional capitalism, asserting that human beings possess far more profound qualities like empathy, idealism, and a natural inclination toward collective welfare. "Capitalism has distorted the human psyche by ignoring our social nature. Social Business offers a way to restore balance," he remarked.
Good Governance
Prof Yunus underscored the role of good governance as the glue binding these pillars together. "Rule of law, democracy, gender equality, transparency, and accountability are essential for Social Business to thrive," he said. Only in such an environment can the Three Zeros vision materialize.
The scope of Prof Yunus's Three Zeros vision extends beyond development—it addresses the very foundation of modern civilization. He questioned whether the current global systems, driven by unsustainable production, consumption, and exploitation, are tenable.
"Social Business is not just about alleviating poverty; it’s about creating a sustainable civilization that values collective good over individual greed," Yunus declared.
The event began with a heartfelt message from Hollywood star Sharon Stone, who praised Yunus's lifelong dedication to social innovation. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, in a video message, described Yunus as a "gift to humanity," celebrating his work in transforming lives worldwide.
A particularly heartwarming moment came from a Chinese village, where housewives and children sent video greetings, urging “Grandpa Yunus” to visit again and share more ideas. Their message, “We’re still following your advice,” drew smiles and applause from the audience.
With his Three Zeros vision, Prof Yunus offers a roadmap for a world free from poverty, unemployment, and environmental destruction. His message resonates far and wide, challenging governments, businesses, and individuals to rethink priorities and embrace social innovation.
“The answer to our problems,” Yunus concluded, quoting Bob Dylan, “is blowing in the wind.” Yet, through his Three Zeros plan, Prof Yunus has ensured that this wind carries not just hope but a tangible pathway to a better future for all.
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The government is considering adopting Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’s transformative “Three Zero” theory—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions—to fast-track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The three-zero theory is a social and economic outlook. Youth endeavour, use of technology, good governance and social business can help achieve the three zero goals, they said. Founder of Grameen Bank and the Noble Peace Laureate Professor Yunus has been much appreciated around the world for his three-zero theory.
Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs, while speaking to BSS, highlighted that efforts are underway to align the Three Zero theory with SDG targets. “We aim to create awareness at all levels to integrate this concept into sustainable development initiatives,” she said, citing workshops with public and private stakeholders as key steps toward this goal.
Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director of Yunus Centre, emphasized that the government seeks to encourage voluntary adoption of the theory rather than imposing it. “The idea is to inspire people to embrace the Three Zero principles within their capacities,” she explained.
Global Recognition of the Three Zero Theory
Professor Yunus presented his vision at COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he called for a lifestyle shift based on zero waste, renewable energy, and sustainable consumption.
“To survive, we need a counter-culture focused on essential needs, zero waste, and zero carbon emissions. This economy must prioritize social businesses and renewable energy, ensuring environmental and social welfare,” Yunus stated.
The concept of social business, which forms the backbone of the Three Zero theory, emphasizes non-dividend enterprises aimed at solving societal and environmental issues. Profits are reinvested in public welfare initiatives such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
A key component of the Three Zero theory is the empowerment of young people. “Education must shift from producing job seekers to fostering entrepreneurs,” Yunus asserted. He envisions each individual as a “Three Zero Person,” embodying the principles of zero net carbon, zero wealth concentration through social businesses, and zero unemployment by becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Lamiya Morshed highlighted the global success of Three Zero Clubs, with over 4,600 established across universities in 39 countries. These clubs promote youth-led initiatives aligned with the Three Zero principles.
While Bangladesh has been slower to embrace these clubs, efforts are accelerating. “The number of workshops on the theory has increased, and there’s growing grassroots interest,” Morshed said. She also noted that initial resistance during politically challenging times had stifled the movement’s expansion but that the scenario is improving.
Upcoming initiatives, such as incorporating the Three Zero concept in the Youth Festival in January, aim to raise awareness among Bangladesh’s youth. Organizers are also exploring innovative ways to link the theory to social activities, such as promoting zero waste practices at large events.
“We are working to involve global figures like Messi to amplify the message of sustainability,” Morshed said.
Dr. MA Razzak, Chairman of the research organization RAPID and a former chief economist at the Commonwealth Secretariat, praised the theory’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth. “The Three Zero Theory will act as a catalyst for sustainable development, fostering entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Prof. Yunus believes the Three Zero theory is not just a strategy but a vision for a new civilization. “We created the problems in society ourselves, and it is the youth who will solve them with their innovative ideas,” he said.
As Bangladesh integrates this transformative framework into its development agenda, it seeks to position itself as a global leader in sustainable innovation, building a society free of poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation.
Prof Yunus and the Revolutionary 'Three Zeros' Vision
The renowned economist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and founder of Grameen Bank, Professor Muhammad Yunus, captivated a global audience at the 6th Social Business Day with his visionary Three Zeros theory. Far from conventional mathematics, Yunus redefined the equation 0+0+0 = 100,000 or even 1 million, illustrating his belief in the transformative power of human potential when combined with social innovation.
Addressing 1,600 attendees, including 250 delegates from 30 countries, at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), Prof Yunus presented his Three Zeros action plan: achieving zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. According to Yunus, this paradigm is not only necessary for sustainable development but also the only viable path forward for humanity.
To realize this ambitious vision, Yunus outlined four critical pillars:
Youth Empowerment
Prof Yunus emphasized the boundless creativity and energy of the youth, terming them the world's greatest asset. He urged societies to give young people the freedom, guidance, and support they need to drive transformative change. "We must believe in our youth. They have the 'can-do' spirit to achieve the impossible," he said.
Harnessing Technology
Technology, Yunus argued, is a double-edged sword. While it has revolutionized life, its benefits remain concentrated among the wealthy. He called for repurposing technological innovations to address global challenges like poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation. "Technology must be used to trigger sustainable growth, not widen the gap between rich and poor," he stressed.
Social Business Revolution
Challenging the prevailing capitalist narrative, Yunus championed social business—businesses aimed at solving societal problems without profit motives. He critiqued the greed-driven focus of traditional capitalism, asserting that human beings possess far more profound qualities like empathy, idealism, and a natural inclination toward collective welfare. "Capitalism has distorted the human psyche by ignoring our social nature. Social Business offers a way to restore balance," he remarked.
Good Governance
Prof Yunus underscored the role of good governance as the glue binding these pillars together. "Rule of law, democracy, gender equality, transparency, and accountability are essential for Social Business to thrive," he said. Only in such an environment can the Three Zeros vision materialize.
The scope of Prof Yunus's Three Zeros vision extends beyond development—it addresses the very foundation of modern civilization. He questioned whether the current global systems, driven by unsustainable production, consumption, and exploitation, are tenable.
"Social Business is not just about alleviating poverty; it’s about creating a sustainable civilization that values collective good over individual greed," Yunus declared.
The event began with a heartfelt message from Hollywood star Sharon Stone, who praised Yunus's lifelong dedication to social innovation. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, in a video message, described Yunus as a "gift to humanity," celebrating his work in transforming lives worldwide.
A particularly heartwarming moment came from a Chinese village, where housewives and children sent video greetings, urging “Grandpa Yunus” to visit again and share more ideas. Their message, “We’re still following your advice,” drew smiles and applause from the audience.
With his Three Zeros vision, Prof Yunus offers a roadmap for a world free from poverty, unemployment, and environmental destruction. His message resonates far and wide, challenging governments, businesses, and individuals to rethink priorities and embrace social innovation.
“The answer to our problems,” Yunus concluded, quoting Bob Dylan, “is blowing in the wind.” Yet, through his Three Zeros plan, Prof Yunus has ensured that this wind carries not just hope but a tangible pathway to a better future for all.
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