The Delegation from The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan Attends Social Business Day 2026 in Bangladesh, Showcasing Taiwan's 3ZERO Achievements

(中央社訊息服務20260706 15:21:31)The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan led a delegation to Dhaka, Bangladesh, in late June to participate in the 16th Social Business Day (SBD), one of the world's most significant gatherings dedicated to social business and sustainable development. The delegation was led by President Philippa Tsai and CEO Juno Wang and consisted of 12 representatives from businesses, nonprofit organizations, and youth sectors. Throughout the event, the delegation engaged with social entrepreneurs, academics, youth leaders, business executives, and nonprofit organizations from around the world.

Over three consecutive days, Taiwanese representatives were invited to speak at several major international forums, including the Social Business Day breakout sessions, the Greater China Forum, and the 3ZERO Convention. Four delegates from Taiwan served as keynote speakers or panelists, sharing Taiwan's experience in promoting social business, the Foundation's decade-long achievements, and inspiring stories of youth engagement. Their presentations highlighted Taiwan's active contribution and growing international influence within the global 3ZERO Movement.

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone in the global social business movement. The 16th Social Business Day was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Grameen Bank and the 20th anniversary of Professor Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Under the theme "Social Business: The Language of Peace in a Fractured World," this year's conference brought together nearly 1,500 participants from 37 countries, including more than 220 international delegates. Participants explored how social business can address pressing global challenges such as poverty, unemployment, climate change, and social conflict while advancing the vision of a 3ZERO World.

In his opening address, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized that no one should be considered "retired" simply because of age. Every individual, he said, retains the creativity and ability to contribute to society throughout life. He encouraged people to embrace a "second phase of life" beyond conventional career paths, pursuing meaningful aspirations while continuing to create social value through their experience and wisdom. He also stressed that the true purpose of education is to empower people to innovate, contribute, and live with dignity, happiness, and purpose throughout every stage of life.

The conference also featured video messages from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste. Other distinguished participants included Mayor Masahiro Hashimoto of Sakai Town, Japan; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson; and Erik Solheim, President of the Europe-Asia Center. Together with global leaders and long-time advocates of social business, they discussed the future development of social business and pathways toward achieving a 3ZERO World.

During the conference, two prominent Bangladeshi student movement leaders, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, also attended the event on the second day. Both leaders had strongly supported Professor Yunus in serving as Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's Interim Government and played key roles in advancing the country's successful democratic election earlier this year. Their appearance received enthusiastic applause from participants, adding historical significance to the conference and symbolizing a new chapter in Bangladesh's democratic development.

On the first day of the conference, June 27, Juno Wang , CEO of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, participated as a panelist in a breakout session, discussing how social business can respond to today's global challenges while sharing the Foundation's decade of experience promoting social business in Taiwan.

At the Greater China Forum on the second day, Philippa Tsai , President of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, delivered a keynote presentation titled "A Decade of Achievements by The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan." She introduced the Foundation's major accomplishments in promoting social business and the 3ZERO vision in Taiwan, including establishing Yunus Social Business Centres (YSBCs) at 14 universities, organizing the Taiwan Yunus Social Business Innovation Awards, launching the 3ZERO Action Program, supporting 3ZERO Clubs, empowering youth, and expanding international collaboration.

Also on the second day, Daisy Liu, Senior Program Specialist of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan , shared her personal journey of participating in the 3ZERO Movement and explained how the Foundation encourages young people to begin practicing the 3ZERO philosophy through campus-based initiatives.

On June 29, during the 3ZERO Convention, Hui-Yun Chen, a student representative from Chihlee University of Technology YSBC, spoke on behalf of Taiwan's youth. She shared her experiences participating in a 3ZERO Club and various sustainability initiatives, illustrating how young people can begin creating positive change through everyday actions in their schools and communities. She encouraged more youth to take the first step, emphasizing that even the smallest actions can become the starting point for meaningful social transformation.

In recognition of his long-term dedication to the Foundation's 3ZERO Action and 3ZERO Club initiatives, William Chiu, Planning Department Manager of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, received the the " Best 3Z Support Person" Award. The award recognizes the Foundation's outstanding implementation of 3ZERO programs while showcasing the enthusiasm and commitment of Taiwanese youth toward sustainable development and civic engagement.

President Philippa Tsai remarked, "Participating in Social Business Day has enabled the international community to better understand Taiwan's achievements in youth empowerment, social business, and the 3ZERO Movement. More importantly, it has strengthened our partnerships with organizations around the world. Looking ahead, the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan will continue working with government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and partners across sectors to promote youth engagement and social innovation, advancing together toward the shared vision of Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Zero Poverty, and Zero Unemployment."

June 28 also marked Professor Muhammad Yunus's birthday. Partners from around the world celebrated the occasion together, while the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan produced a special birthday tribute video. During the celebration, President Philippa Tsai also invited Professor Yunus to record a message of encouragement for young people in Taiwan.

Videos
• Birthday Tribute to Professor Muhammad Yunus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwrCRJy48Fs
• Professor Muhammad Yunus's Message to Young People in Taiwan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APdzNN9OYP0&feature=youtu.be