Global trust is at risk at time of great uncertainty, says Chief Advisor Yunus

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus says that the world is “passing a time of great uncertainty” and that this is putting global trust at risk.

The Nobel laureate made the statement during his keynote speech at the inaugural session of the “30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia” programme in Japan’s Tokyo on Tuesday, reports state-run news agency BSS.

“Trust is declining between nations, within societies, and even between citizens and institutions,” he said.

In a speech on “Asian Challenges in a Turbulent World”, the chief advisor said: “We are passing a time of great uncertainty. We are witnessing a world where peace is fragile, tensions are growing, and cooperation is not always guaranteed.”

Yunus said that conflicts are erupting in Asia and beyond, destroying the lives and livelihoods of thousands in Ukraine, Gaza, and countries in south and southeast Asia.

“In our neighbouring country Myanmar, civil war has taken a brutal turn, and the recent earthquake has pushed an already deep humanitarian crisis into greater darkness,” he said.

“Very recently, our two neighbours have fought a short but expensive war. Regrettably, we are spending billions in fighting wars leaving millions of our people starving or struggling for basic needs.”

He thanked the leadership of both India and Pakistan for de-escalating their conflict, agreeing to a ceasefire, and hoped for the region’s continued peace and stability.

The world is also facing novel challenges, such as the millions displaced by climate change and the ethical dilemmas proposed by technological advances, Yunus said.

The chief advisor added that the spike in trade restrictions is challenging the foundation of the free trade system and economic inequalities are widening.

“In recent times, we witnessed such divisions, discontent, and instability in Bangladesh and Republic of Korea that led to regime changes,” he said.

Speaking of the transformation brought about by the student-led July Uprising in Bangladesh, the chief advisor said:

“We are working hard to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our people, to ensure justice, equality, freedom, and dignity of people, and prepare for a free, fair, credible general election aiming at a smooth transition to democracy.

“We believe, this is a chance to correct the wrongs, build new institutions, and realise the dream of a fairer society.”

He also noted that, despite domestic challenges, Bangladesh is doing its part in ensuring global peace and security through UN peacekeeping missions and hosting more than a million Rohingya fleeing their Myanmar homeland on humanitarian grounds.

Yunus said Asia, which is home to over half of the world’s human population, is both at the epicentre of global uncertainty, but is also at the nexus of its centre of possibility.

“The challenges we face are formidable, and so is our collective strength. In this reality, I believe Asia has an opportunity - perhaps even a responsibility - to show a different path. A path of peace, of dialogue, of inclusive growth. Not just growth in numbers, but growth in people’s well-being, in trust, in hope.”

“We are not powerless in the face of these challenges. In fact, we are at a turning point in history. The choices we make today will decide what kind of world we leave for our children and grandchildren. That is why we must come together - not just to discuss problems, but to shape solutions.”

These solutions must be inclusive, fair, and rooted in our shared humanity, he added.

He stressed his own journey with Grameen Bank to social businesses across the world. Throughout this journey, he says he has learnt that people are not born to suffer.

“People are born with limitless potential. We just need to give them the right opportunities,” Yunus added.

The chief advisor also presented his Three Zeros theory – one that prioritises zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero carbon emissions.

A new kind of economy is needed, he says, “One that is built not only on competition, but on compassion. Not just on consumption, but on care. This is where social business comes in - a business that solves problems, not just makes profits.”

Asia’s future is not just about economics or geopolitics but is also about its people, ideas, and courage, Yunus said.

“Let us not be daunted by the turbulence around us. Rather see it as a call—to rethink, to rebuild, and to rise together.

“Let us be guided not by fear, but by possibility—not by power, but by purpose. Let us have the courage to imagine a better world. Let us trust one another. Let us cooperate not because we have to but because we want to.”