Diplomatic Correspondent

In recognition of his lifelong work on microcredit, social business, and the empowerment of the poor, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus on Friday was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Japan’s renowned Soka University.

The prestigious degree was conferred upon the Bangladesh Chief Adviser at a special ceremony held at the university's conference hall.

He also delivered a special lecture at the university in the presence of its students, academics and dignitaries on various topics of global significance.

While delivering his lecture at Soka University, Prof Yunus urged the youth to build 'three zero clubs' to save the planet from destruction, stating that it will not sustain under the current civilisation.

"The civilisation we are building today is a self-destructive civilisation that will kill (the planet)," he said.

Prof Yunus said human beings will not be able to survive under the current civilisation as environmental destruction is taking place all around the world.

Highlighting his 'three zero theory' — zero carbon emission, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment — he said everyone is trying to maximise his or her profit.

The majority of the world’s wealth is in the hands of a very few people now, the Chief Adviser said, adding that wealth concentration is a curse for all.

He also focused on the problems of unemployment and the challenges ahead due to the rise of artificial intelligence.

Speaking about the 'three zero clubs', the Chief Adviser said five people together can create a club by committing that they will not use fossil fuels.

Calling upon the younger generation to be creative in building a new world, he said jobs take people away from creativity.

Noting that humans are born to be entrepreneurs, Prof Yunus said: "If you do not have creativity, you are nothing... every human being has creativity."

He also emphasised the need to establish social business clubs to foster entrepreneurship.

The Chief Adviser asked students to imagine the creation of a new world, saying, "Imagination gives you the power to unleash yourselves."

He also shared with the audience how he began his journey with microcredit in a small village near Chittagong University, where he was a professor in the economics department.

Prof Yunus arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Prof Yunus is paying an official working visit to Japan from 28-31.

He attended the Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia, one of the most prestigious and influential platforms for political, economic, and academic leaders in the region.

The Chief Adviser held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.

On completion of his four-day visit, he is expected to return home on Saturday night.