At UN, Muhammad Yunus Urges World Leaders To ‘Invest In Your Young Citizens’
27 September 2024:
“I stand in this parliament of nations thanks to
an epochal transformation that Bangladesh witnessed this
July and August,” said Mr. Yunus, Chief Adviser of the
interim Government.
The “power of populace,” in
particular the youth, helped liberate Bangladeshis from an
autocratic and undemocratic regime, he said, crediting that
youth-led movement with propelling Bangladesh into a new
phase of political consciousness, while championing human
dignity, freedom and social justice.
Mr. Yunus
stressed that this transformation is not without challenges,
but the resilience of the people, especially the youth, is
steering the country forward: “their determination is
laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous
future.”
Throughout his address, the Bangladeshi
leader reiterated the importance of upholding democratic
values and ensuring human rights for all citizens, and
reiterated his country’s continued commitment to peace,
development and upholding human rights.
He also stated
that the principles of freedom and dignity remain central to
the country’s governance and international stance, as he
referred to the historical context of Bangladesh’s
struggle for independence, where freedom was the ultimate
goal.
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“Our people have fought for
independence and for their rights with remarkable courage,
and today’s youth continue that fight by demanding
justice, equality, and a voice in their future,” he said
in his speech, urging an environment where young people can
thrive, innovate and lead.
At the global
level, Mr. Yunus spoke about the vital connection between
youth empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
He stated that young people,
not just in Bangladesh but across the world, are central to
solving pressing global challenges such as poverty, climate
change, and inequality. He called on international leaders
to invest in the potential of their young citizens to create
a world that is more inclusive, just, and
sustainable.
He concluded his remarks by reflecting on
the legacy of youth activism in Bangladesh and its future
trajectory.
Highlighting how the lessons learned from
the country’s struggles for independence still resonated
in the actions and aspirations of today’s youth, he said
“the world may be changing rapidly, but the values that
our youth are upholding remain timeless.”
“The
youth in Bangladesh have shown that upholding freedom,
dignity, and the rights of people, regardless of distinction
and status, cannot just remain aspirational. It is what
everyone
deserves.”
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