- Prof. Yunus highlights Rohingya crisis at WEF 2025.
- Meets with Southeast Asian leaders to strengthen regional ties.
- Discusses crisis solutions with UNHCR’s Filippo Grandi.
- Advocates for Bangladesh’s role in global governance.
On January 21, 2025, Prof. Yunus met with key leaders from Southeast Asia: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. These meetings aimed to enhance bilateral relations, with a particular focus on trade, regional security, and stability. Prof. Yunus and Prime Minister Ibrahim discussed economic cooperation, trade agreements, and security concerns amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Similarly, in his meeting with Prime Minister Shinawatra, Prof. Yunus focused on strengthening diplomatic ties between Thailand and Bangladesh, particularly in addressing shared challenges like human trafficking and climate-induced displacement, which have affected Bangladesh due to the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
Both meetings reflected Prof. Yunus’s commitment to fostering strong regional cooperation, ensuring mutual growth and security, and tackling humanitarian challenges.
Key Discussion with UNHCR’s Filippo Grandi
A pivotal moment at the WEF came when Prof. Yunus met with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, to discuss the Rohingya crisis.
With an additional 100,000 refugees fleeing Myanmar, the situation in Bangladesh’s refugee camps has grown more dire. Prof. Yunus called for a global focus on the crisis, proposing an international conference later in 2025 to mobilize diplomatic efforts and garner international support.
Prof. Yunus highlighted the humanitarian efforts already underway in Bangladesh, including improving shelter, sanitation, and healthcare for refugees. Grandi reiterated UNHCR’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts and stressed the need for international cooperation to address the crisis effectively and prevent regional destabilization.
Prof. Yunus’s Conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb
Another crucial moment during the WEF was Prof. Yunus’s discussion with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The conversation ranged from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to global governance issues. Stubb emphasized the importance of the Global South in shaping international relations and resolving conflicts. This message aligned with the forum’s theme of collaboration for global progress and resilience.
Prof. Yunus also briefed President Stubb on Bangladesh’s domestic reforms, which aim to address governance, economic growth, and democratic stability. Stubb expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, signaling positive international backing for the country’s ongoing transformation.
Arrival in Zurich and Bangladesh’s Delegation at WEF 2025
Prof. Yunus’s arrival in Zurich on January 21, 2025, was warmly received by Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam. He was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including several key figures in Bangladesh’s government. This delegation’s presence highlighted the importance of Prof. Yunus’s leadership in global diplomacy and positioned Bangladesh as a key player in addressing international issues, such as the Rohingya crisis.
The World Economic Forum annually brings together thousands of global leaders to address pressing issues. For Prof. Yunus, WEF 2025 was an opportunity to advocate for Bangladesh’s active role in international governance and cooperation. This year’s theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” resonated with Prof. Yunus’s calls for collective action on global challenges such as the refugee crisis and geopolitical tensions.
Looking Ahead
As WEF 2025 progresses, Prof. Yunus remains committed to advocating for global solutions to complex issues. His focus on resolving the Rohingya crisis and ensuring Bangladesh’s role in global governance highlights the significance of international collaboration. Prof. Yunus’s leadership underscores the necessity of collective global efforts to address crises that extend beyond national borders.
Prof. Yunus’s participation at WEF 2025 further emphasized Bangladesh’s growing influence on the global stage. Through his advocacy on the Rohingya crisis and his dialogues with world leaders, he reinforced the importance of international cooperation in tackling global challenges. His presence underscored the need for unity in addressing urgent global issues that impact populations worldwide.
His leadership continues to shine as Bangladesh plays an active role in addressing crises such as the Rohingya refugee situation and advocating for the Global South’s representation in international governance. Prof. Yunus remains resolute in his commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring that Bangladesh’s concerns are heard and effectively addressed on the world stage.