BIMSTEC Blueprint: Yunus Calls for Youth Empowerment & Regional Cooperation
Dr. Muhammad Yunus Stresses Youth Empowerment, AI, and Climate Action at BIMSTEC Summit
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, has emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, leveraging artificial intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, enhancing knowledge-sharing, and engaging non-governmental stakeholders in tackling climate change, health crises, and disaster management.
Speaking at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday, April 4, Dr. Yunus remarked that these should be the collective objectives of BIMSTEC member states.
"Bangladesh has always been in favor of open regional cooperation. We envision a region where all nations work together on the basis of equality to achieve mutual interests and prosperity," he stated.
BIMSTEC’s Potential and Challenges
Dr. Yunus highlighted that the BIMSTEC region is home to one-fifth of the world's population. While many see this as a challenge, he argued that with the right policies, this vast population can become its greatest asset. Despite existing challenges, he asserted that proper initiatives could unlock immense potential in the region.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to transforming BIMSTEC by working towards a "Three Zero" world—Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Carbon Emissions.
Energy Security and Economic Growth
In his written statement, Professor Yunus underscored that energy security is crucial for sustainable development and economic stability in the BIMSTEC region. He urged member states to collaborate on renewable energy, cross-border electricity trade, and energy efficiency enhancement.
He also pointed out that the 2018 BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Agreement could serve as a milestone for energy cooperation.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of finalizing the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2004, to boost trade and investment within the region.
Addressing the Rohingya Crisis & Enhancing BIMSTEC’s Impact
Dr. Yunus also called attention to the Rohingya crisis, warning that failing to resolve it could destabilize the entire region. He urged BIMSTEC to play a role in finding a peaceful solution.
Reflecting on the organization's nearly 28-year history, Dr. Yunus acknowledged that BIMSTEC’s impact has not yet been strongly felt among its member states.
"We will adopt new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of this organization," he concluded.
