Earthna 2025: CA Yunus Backs Social Business for Sustainability

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to spotlight the transformative role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in promoting sustainable development at the Earthna Summit 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Prof Yunus, who arrived in Doha Monday night to a red-carpet welcome, will deliver a keynote speech at the Summit’s opening session on Tuesday morning. His address is expected to focus on building a world of “Three Zeros”: zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration to end poverty, and zero unemployment through universal entrepreneurship.

According to his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Yunus will attend over 10 high-level events during his visit, which includes engagements with top Qatari officials, international development leaders, and media outlets.

A Packed Schedule in Doha

Prof Yunus will attend a welcome reception hosted by Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson & CEO of Qatar Foundation, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. He will later meet Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and mother of Qatar’s Amir.

Separate meetings are also scheduled with Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), and senior officials from Qatar Charity. Later, Yunus will join a luncheon hosted by Sheikha Hind.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, is also expected to meet Prof Yunus to discuss mutual interests, especially in energy cooperation. Bangladesh is looking to strengthen its LNG partnership and broader energy collaboration with the Gulf state.

Yunus will be interviewed by Al Jazeera at its headquarters, where top executives and editors will receive him. The Qatar Foundation’s media team will also conduct an interview.

In the evening, he will attend a private business reception hosted in his honor.

Key Discussions and Strategic Goals

During his visit, Prof Yunus is expected to engage with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and Deputy Prime Minister. Discussions will cover trade, investment, energy cooperation, visa facilitation, and regional issues — including the Rohingya crisis, which is set to be discussed in a separate event involving global stakeholders.

Bangladesh is also participating in a Qatar-hosted investment summit on April 23, from which the interim government hopes to secure positive commitments.

About the Earthna Summit

Now in its second edition, the Earthna Summit is being held under the theme “Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation, and Traditional Knowledge.” The two-day event, running from April 22–23, explores sustainability in arid environments through panels, workshops, and cultural showcases.

Hosted at Barahat Msheireb, the Earthna Village will feature dynamic conversations led by global experts, with partner-led side events and networking activities aimed at fostering inclusive and resilient development models.

Prof Yunus is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on April 25.