Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus joined as the chief guest and keynote speaker at the 15th edition of Social Business Day on Friday morning, which began with a brief but vibrant cultural show.
Organized by the Yunus Centre and Grameen Group, the event is being held at the Samajik Convention Centre in Zirabo, Savar, under the theme: “Social Business is the Most Effective Way to Ensure Healthcare for All.”
Former vice-president of the World Bank Dr Ismail Serageldin, Grameen Group Chairman Md Ashraful Hassan, and Yunus Centre Relations Manager Zenaat Islam also spoke at the inaugural session.
The event aims to serve as a global platform for the convergence of knowledge, experience, and innovation—addressing inequalities and challenges in healthcare and other sectors to build a sustainable, just, and humane world.
The two-day program will feature five plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions focused on a range of perspectives and ideas.
More than 1,000 participants, including over 180 international delegates from 34 countries, are attending the event.
Prominent speakers include Professor Md Saidur Rahman, health and family welfare assistant to the chief adviser; Omar Ishrak, former CEO and chairman of Medtronic and former chairman of the Board at Intel Corporation; and Erik Solheim, former executive director of UN Environment and former minister of Environment and Climate of Norway.
Advisers of the interim government were also present.
As part of the extended program, a special Academia Dialogue will be held on Sunday in collaboration with North South University, engaging teachers, students, and researchers to explore the role of social business in driving societal progress.
In addition, the Three Zero Club Convention will take place, focusing on how to achieve zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment across the world.