Prof Yunus Warns of Eroding Global Trust at Nikkei Forum

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today warned that global trust is under threat amid growing uncertainty and instability in the world. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia in Tokyo, Prof Yunus said trust is deteriorating—between nations, within societies, and among people and institutions—against a backdrop of conflict, humanitarian crises, and economic disparity.

In his keynote address titled “Asian Challenges in a Turbulent World,” Prof Yunus highlighted the fragility of peace and the rise of tensions globally. He pointed to ongoing wars and man-made disasters—from Ukraine and Gaza to civil strife in Myanmar and other parts of Asia—underscoring how these crises are destroying lives and deepening human suffering.

He acknowledged recent conflict between two neighboring countries in South Asia and welcomed the ceasefire as a hopeful step toward regional peace. However, he emphasized that billions are spent on warfare while millions struggle for food, shelter, and basic dignity.

Prof Yunus also drew attention to the impact of climate change, growing economic inequality, and the ethical challenges posed by rapid technological advancement. He said these forces are disrupting societies, even causing regime changes in countries like Bangladesh and South Korea.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s own transformation, Prof Yunus said the country underwent a historic student-led uprising last year that led to the formation of his government. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice, equality, freedom, and preparing for a fair and credible general election to ensure a smooth democratic transition.

Despite internal challenges, he noted that Bangladesh continues to contribute to global peace, notably through UN peacekeeping efforts and hosting over a million displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar purely on humanitarian grounds.

Asia, home to over half of the world’s population, lies at the heart of global uncertainty but also holds the promise of leading change, Yunus said. He called on Asian leaders to embrace a path of peace, inclusive growth, and trust-building. “We are not powerless,” he stressed, urging collective action to shape a fairer and more hopeful future.

Sharing his philosophy of Three Zeros—Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions—Prof Yunus called for a compassionate economy rooted in care, not just competition. He championed social business as a model that solves problems rather than simply generating profit.

Praising the Nikkei Forum as a platform of hope and dialogue, Prof Yunus said the future of Asia depends not only on economics or geopolitics, but on people, ideas, and bold choices. “Let us not be daunted by turbulence. Let us rebuild and rise together. The future of Asia is not written yet—we will write it together,” he concluded, expressing hope for strong cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan in shaping a better destiny for Asia and the world.