UN General Assembly: Muhammad Yunus urges global leaders to invest in youth

Muhammad Yunus, 84 year old Bangladesh economist, entrepreneur, politician, civil society leader and 5th Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, while addressing at UNGA79 (United Nations General Assembly) urged all the global leaders to invest in the youth of his country.

The theme of the UNGA79 is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations”. The 79th session took place to accelerate all the nations towards the 17 sustainable goals of the UN. This session has been attended by the members of the UN and each nation represented with the powerful personalities to address their country’s remarks. Muhammad Yunus, is a Bangladeshi professor who stressed on the power of youth who helped their nation to free from the autocratic and undemocratic regime. He also stated that due to the rebellious protest, the nation has entered into a new phase of political consciousness, while championing human dignity, freedom and social justice.

“I stand in this parliament of nations thanks to an epochal transformation that Bangladesh witnessed this July and August. The ‘power of ordinary people’, in particular our youth, presented to our nation an opportunity to overhaul many of our systems and institutions. 

The uprising led by the students and youth was initially aimed at ending discrimination. Progressively the movement evolved into a people’s movement. The world eventually saw how people-at-large stood against autocracy, oppression, discrimination, injustice and corruption, both on the streets and online. 

Our people, particularly youth, gained us independence from an autocratic  and undemocratic regime with their exceptional resolve and capability” – Muhammad Yunus at UNGA79

Professor Yunus’s speech at the UN General Assembly upraised the valour and heroic acts of youth during the Bangladesh protest.  

“We were moved by the wisdom, courage and conviction our youth showed.

Even braving bullets, bare chest

Young girls were fiercely vocal against the illegitimate State power.

School-going teenagers laid down their lives.

Hundreds lost their eyes, forever” – added Yunus

The Bangladeshi politician addressed that his country was born because of the profound beliefs of people in liberalism, pluralism, secularism. After this historic Bangladesh protest has changed many scenarios in the country which includes the freedom to voice their views, and opinions, making all in public positions for decisions & actions, spread of equality and more. Muhammad Yunus said,

“Bangladesh is open to nurture friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect, upholding our dignity and pride and shared interests”.

Throughout his speech he reiterated the power of the younger generation around the world who become the major part in solving the international crisis like poverty, climate change, migration, war and inequality. He urged the global leaders to invest in the potential of youth of the respective nations for creating a more inclusive, just and sustainable world for the future generations.

“The youth in Bangladesh have showed that upholding freedom, dignity and rights of people regardless of Distinction and status cannot just remain aspirational. It is just what everyone deserves.”