Rizwana Urges Youth to Lead Sustainable, Inclusive Ventures

Dhaka, Apr 12 – Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called on the youth to drive a new wave of entrepreneurship rooted in sustainability, empathy, and inclusivity — promoting a future of zero exclusion, zero carbon, and zero poverty.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the “3ZERO Pitch Competition and Project Closing Event” on Saturday, she praised the initiative for fostering socially and environmentally conscious leadership among young entrepreneurs.

“Even if not every idea becomes a successful venture, the values you’re embracing — empathy, responsibility, and environmental compatibility — are what will truly shape transformative development,” she said.

Organised by the Faculty of Business Studies at the University of Dhaka, the event was titled Empathy-Driven Entrepreneurship: Unveiling the 3ZERO Approach.

Joining virtually, Rizwana urged the youth to redefine success, moving away from material benchmarks. “For too long, success has been tied to cars, apartments, and corporate titles. Your generation dares to think differently. The 3ZERO approach shows that development can align with nature instead of depleting it.”

She also warned against following outdated, carbon-intensive development models. “We can’t cut down forests for profit and then seek green certifications. That kind of hypocrisy will cost us our planet,” she said, stressing that climate solutions must come from the younger generation.

“You’ve already shown resilience in overcoming deep-rooted national challenges. I believe you will lead Bangladesh toward a future of clean air, safe food, low carbon, and climate-resilient growth,” she concluded.