DHAKA: Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has declared Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s visit to Davos as a significant achievement for Bangladesh, with the chief adviser attending 43 events during the World Economic Forum (WEF). “The chief adviser’s tour to Davos was very important. I would say it was a tour of historical achievement for Bangladesh,” Shafiqul Alam stated during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the visit took place from January 21 to 25, where Prof Yunus participated in the prestigious WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The gathering is renowned for fostering interactions between governments and private sectors, serving as a reunion for social leaders and global celebrities. During the visit, Prof Yunus attended a total of 47 events, met with various heads of government, and engaged with international media outlets.
One of the highlights of the visit was a high-level meeting with German Chancellor Wolfgang Schmidt. Germany, being the second-largest export destination for Bangladesh, plays a crucial role in the country’s economic landscape. During this meeting, Chancellor Schmidt expressed support for Prof Yunus’s interim government and Bangladesh, promising to send a German business delegation to explore new business opportunities.
Throughout his stay, Prof Yunus held discussions with numerous world leaders, addressing topics such as Bangladesh’s economy, recovery of stolen money, reform agendas, elections, and global issues. Notable meetings included discussions with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
On the second day of his visit, Prof Yunus engaged in meetings with King Philippe of Belgium, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, among others. He also participated in a plenary session titled ‘The State of Climate and Nature’ and attended an event organized by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
The third day saw Prof Yunus in discussions with influential figures such as Sir Nick Clegg from Meta Platforms Inc and Agnes Callamard from Amnesty International. He also met with Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum, and addressed a gathering at the Climate Hub in Davos.
On his final day, Prof Yunus met with American investor Ray Dalio and World Trade Organisation Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. These engagements underscore the strategic importance of Bangladesh’s participation in global forums and highlight the potential for future collaborations and partnerships.