Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the people of Bangladesh are moving toward empowerment, with the upcoming national election in February playing a key role in that journey.
On Monday, October 13, Dr. Yunus spoke at the opening ceremony of the World Food Forum in Rome, where he blamed hunger on global economic mismanagement and offered a six-point proposal for building a world free from poverty and hunger.
Arriving at the World Food Forum headquarters around 4:00 PM Bangladesh time, Dr. Yunus received a warm welcome from senior officials. As the chief guest at the opening event, he began his speech by honoring the martyrs of July, stating that institutions are being rebuilt to create a nation that reflects the aspirations of the youth. He expressed optimism that the February election would help pave the way for true public empowerment.
Calling on young people to take the lead, Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of social business as a tool for building an inclusive and sustainable future.
Dr. Yunus’s Six-Point Proposal for Global Reform:
- Stop wars and start dialogue – Ensure uninterrupted food delivery to conflict zones to break the vicious cycle of war and hunger.
- Fulfill financial commitments to the SDGs – Take effective measures against climate change and support vulnerable communities in building resilience.
- Establish regional food banks – Create regional reserves to stabilize global food supply chains.
- Support young agricultural entrepreneurs – Provide financial, infrastructural, and global partnership support to empower local producers.
- Reform trade policies – Ensure trade policies promote, rather than hinder, food security.
- Ensure access to technology and innovation – Focus on enabling young farmers and entrepreneurs, especially in the Global South, to benefit from modern agricultural innovations.
Dr. Yunus’s Rome Schedule:
- Visit to the Global Alliance office
- 3:20 PM (local time): Meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- 4:30 PM: Meeting with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri
- 5:15 PM: Meeting with the Prime Minister of Djibouti
- 6:30 PM: Courtesy meeting with FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu
Dr. Yunus’s proposals aim to reshape global food and economic systems, offering a people-centered path toward equity, sustainability, and resilience.
