Chief Adviser Yunus Concludes Extensive Diplomatic and Economic Engagements at 80th UNGA

Chief Adviser Yunus Leads Bangladesh Delegation at 80th UNGA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus concluded a series of significant diplomatic and economic engagements on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. Arriving on Monday, September 22, 2025, Professor Yunus's visit aimed to bolster Bangladesh's international profile and enhance its investment prospects. He was scheduled to deliver Bangladesh's official statement to the General Assembly on Friday, September 26, 2025. The 80th UNGA, which opened on September 9, 2025, with its High-Level General Debate commencing on September 23, 2025, adopted the theme 'Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights'.

High-Level Meetings and Bilateral Discussions

During his packed schedule, Professor Yunus participated in numerous high-level meetings and receptions. On his second day, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, he attended a welcome reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the inaugural session of the 80th UNGA. Later that evening, he joined a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, where he extended an invitation for President Trump to visit Bangladesh.

His extensive bilateral engagements included meetings with a wide array of global leaders and heads of international organizations:

• Queen Mathilde of Belgium
• Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva
• Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
• President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga
• Queen Máxima of the Netherlands
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
• Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani
• Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
• President of Finland Alexander Stubb
• Club de Madrid President and former Slovenian President Danilo Türk
• Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin
• Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet
• Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof

Discussions during these meetings covered a broad spectrum of issues, including economic collaboration, safe migration, combating human trafficking, and regional cooperation.

Promoting Investment and Democratic Reforms

A key focus of Professor Yunus's engagements was to attract foreign investment to Bangladesh. He addressed a US-Bangladesh Executive Business Roundtable, urging major US companies such as MetLife, Chevron, and Excelerate Energy to increase their investments in the country. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed the establishment of an Italy-Bangladesh Business Forum to expand trade and economic ties. Professor Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to holding free and fair elections in February 2026, emphasizing the interim government's reform initiatives and economic recovery efforts.

The Chief Adviser's delegation notably included political leaders from across Bangladesh's political spectrum, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP). This inclusive delegation was described as a 'welcome step toward demonstrating national unity before the world'.

Advocacy for Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Issues

Professor Yunus advocated for Bangladesh's vision for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and global solidarity. He attended a high-level working session titled 'Transforming Primary Healthcare-Bangladesh's Blueprint', where he cautioned against profit-driven healthcare models. He also underscored the urgent need for safe migration pathways and called for increased international support for the over one million Rohingya refugees currently hosted in Bangladesh. Discussions with President Stubb of Finland included Bangladesh's efforts to gain ASEAN membership and enhance connectivity for landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, aiming for wider regional economic benefits.