Chief Adviser, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate,
Bangladesh

Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh since 8 August 2024.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate, is renowned as the pioneer of Social Business and Microcredit. He is the esteemed founder of Grameen Bank and has established over 50 other companies in Bangladesh. Professor Yunus has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as "one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time" due to his unwavering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2006, Professor Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their remarkable contributions. He has been conferred with 61 honorary degrees from universities across 24 countries, demonstrating the global recognition of his work. Moreover, he has received an astounding 136 awards from 33 countries, including prestigious state honors from 10 nations.

Professor Yunus holds a unique distinction, being one of only seven individuals to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal. He has appeared on the covers of renowned publications such as Time Magazine, Newsweek, and Forbes Magazine.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Interim Government,
Bangladesh

Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman is serving as Special Assistant (State Minister status) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Interim Government of Bangladesh. A distinguished leader in medical education and health governance, he is the former Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), where he also served as Chairman of Pharmacology, Registrar, and Founding Director of ICT. A pioneer in digital transformation in medical education, he played a crucial role in establishing Bangladesh's first Biobank. 

Since 1982, he has contributed to national drug policy, pharmacovigilance, and health governance, including drafting the National Health Policy 2010 and essential medicines lists and he led Bangladesh’s first National Pharmacovigilance Guideline. Professor Rahman has been actively involved in numerous WHO-supported initiatives and national health committees, reflecting his deep commitment to strengthening health systems and regulatory frameworks.

An accomplished academic and researcher, he has supervised over 40 postgraduate theses and authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance, pharmacoeconomics, and clinical trials. He is a Founding Member of the Bangladesh AMR Response Alliance and served as Vice-Chair of GARP Bangladesh. In recognition of his national impact, Professor Rahman was awarded an Honorary Fellowship (FCPS) by the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2023.

Co-Chair, Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC); Vice President of the World Bank 1992-2000,
Egypt

Ismail Serageldin is the Founding Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), the new Library of Alexandria, inaugurated in 2002. He serves as Chair and Member of a number of advisory committees for academic, research, scientific, and international institutions, including as Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), and serves as Patron of the International Science Council (ISC).

He has held many international positions, including as Vice President of the World Bank (1992–2000). He also co-chaired the African Union’s high-level panel for Biotechnology (2006) and again for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in 2012–2013, and was a member of the ICANN Panel for the review of the Internet Future (2013).

Dr. Serageldin has  many awards, including being the first recipient of the Grameen Foundation (USA) Award for a lifetime commitment to combating poverty (1999), and the presidential medals from the republics of Azerbaijan (2015), Montenegro (2016), Albania (2017), and Macedonia (2019), among others.

Former Chairman & CEO, Medtronic
United States

Omar Ishrak is a global healthcare and technology thought leader, with a passion for using technology to innovate, invent, and disrupt healthcare. He is recognized 
as a creative and forward-thinking problem solver — ranking in America’s 100 Most Innovative Leaders by Forbes. 

Omar served as Chairman and CEO of Medtronic from 2011-2020. In his more than 35 years in healthcare technology companies, Omar has fostered deep relationships with technology partners, healthcare providers, governments, and  payers to advance the future of medicine. He speaks often on the global stage  about the intersection of healthcare and technology, and the importance of  innovation in transforming healthcare to deliver value for all stakeholders. 


As Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Omar redefined the company’s growth strategy, driven by the purpose outlined in its enduring Mission — to use technology to improve human welfare. He rejuvenated the $30 billion company’s technology pipeline, strengthened its position in emerging markets, and advanced efforts in value based healthcare. Notably, Omar created over $90 billion in market capitalization appreciation and engineered the $50B acquisition of Covidien — a global medical devices manufacturer delivering early diagnosis and solutions for patients across the care continuum — the largest medical technology acquisition in the history of the industry. Under Omar’s leadership, Medtronic went from serving one patient every 4 seconds, to improving the lives of 2 people every second. During his tenure, Medtronic therapies positively impacted 450+ million patients around the world. 



Omar has promoted diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout his career. At Medtronic, he made inclusion a true business priority, often pointing to it as key to the company’s success as a global healthcare leader. He embedded a focus on diversity and inclusion in various operating mechanisms to ensure it remained a key priority throughout the company. He established Medtronic’s Diversity Networks and focused efforts on measurable goals. His approach helped Medtronic earn accolades such as the prestigious Catalyst Award in 2020, which recognized Medtronic’s groundbreaking programs to advance women in the workplace.

Prior to joining Medtronic, Omar spent 16 years in a variety of management roles at GE Healthcare Systems, including President and CEO. Earlier in his career, he amassed more than 13 years of technology development and business management experience, holding leadership positions at Diasonics/Vingmed, and various product development and engineering positions at Philips Ultrasound.


Omar grew up in Bangladesh and earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of London, King's College. He was inducted to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows in 2016 and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2020. He is also a Fellow of King’s College.


He has amassed numerous awards over the course of his career, including ‘Outstanding Contribution to MedTech’ by the Irish MedTech Association in 2020, ‘Top 5 Healthcare Technology CEOs’ by Healthcare Technology Report in 2020, and ‘Person of the Year’ by Twin Cities Business in 2015.


Omar currently serves on the Board of Directors of several companies including Amgen, Cleveland Clinic, Allurion as well as several other companies. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society.

Chairman, Grameen Group,Managing Director and CEO, Grameen Telecom Trust,
Bangladesh

Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan has been an integral part of the Grameen Group for over 40 years and currently serves as its Chairman. He holds leadership roles as Managing Director of multiple Grameen organizations, consistently advancing the group's mission of driving transformative social and economic change across Bangladesh and beyond.

Beginning his journey with Grameen Bank in 1984, Mr. Hassan has held a variety of senior positions—apparently reached the peak as Chief of Engineering Section—playing a vital role in shaping the bank’s infrastructural foundation. Over the years, his leadership has spanned across pivotal sectors such as telecommunications, renewable energy, education, people Development with employment, technology, food and nutrition, construction, financial inclusion and complete healthcare that includes but not limited to Primary Care, Secondary Care and Digital Health; establishing him as a driving force and implementor in Grameen’s multi-sectoral impact and aspirations.

In rural development, Mr. Hassan has been instrumental in expanding telecommunication access in underserved areas. His broad expertise encompasses energy-efficient and resource-conscious production industrial management, supply chain logistics, local and export market strategies, as well as the empowerment of rural artisans and craftspeople, reinforcing inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

As a group chairman, Mr. Hassan serves on the boards of numerous social business enterprises under the Grameen umbrella home and abroad, spearheading initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, job creation, and the development of resilient community ecosystems. His leadership continues to inspire a new generation with innovative business and strategic initiatives with Healthtech, Fintech, Edutech, model mega hospital projects and so on that comes as inspiration to social business leaders, committed to building a more equitable and sustainable world.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development-Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI),
Philippines

Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip is a renowned poverty eradication practitioner with over 40 years of experience in microfinance and social enterprise development. He founded CARD MRI, a network of 29 institutions serving over 9.6 million Filipinos and insuring more than 31 million lives. His pioneering work has earned national and international acclaim, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2008), the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building (2019), and Vietnam’s Order of Friendship Award. He was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2006. Dr. Alip held key government roles, including Undersecretary of DSWD and Assistant Secretary of DAR. He serves on various boards such as the Makati Business Club and ICMIF, and has held academic positions in the Philippines, Japan, and the U.S. A dedicated educator, he was also the first Dean of Management at CMDI Tagum. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the University of the Philippines.

Former Chief of Party, USAID-DFID NHSDP And Senior Country Representative, Pathfinder International
Bangladesh

Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter is a trailblazing reproductive health epidemiologist whose work has transformed women's health in Bangladesh and beyond. With over 40 years of experience, she has dedicated her life to empowering women through science and advocacy. After earning advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins University and completing prestigious training at the CDC in Atlanta, USA, Dr. Halida led major health institutions, including BIRPERHT and FPAB, championing reproductive rights and maternal care.

A fearless freedom fighter, she provided critical medical aid to Birangana women during the 1971 Liberation War. She later founded a grassroots initiative in Rangpur, training women in safe motherhood and health leadership. Her groundbreaking research has shaped national policy on contraception, maternal mortality, and women’s health services.

For her lifelong dedication, she  the United Nations Population Award (2006), the Bangla Academy Honorary Fellowship (2023), and the Begum Rokeya Padak (2023). Dr. Halida remains a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

Grandfather, Award-Winning Scientist, Environmental Activist, Broadcaster,
Canada

David Suzuki has made it his life's work to help humanity understand, appreciate, respect, and protect nature. He is familiar to television audiences as the host of the CBC science and natural history television series The Nature of Things (1979–2023). David was the recipient of the Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television's 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. David has been recognized by BC Achievement, in partnership with the Lieutenant Governor of BC, for his extraordinary work as a recipient of the 2021 BC Reconciliation Award. Dr. Suzuki is a Companion of the Order of Canada and a recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for science, the 2009 Right Livelihood Award, and UNEP’s Global 500. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia and has been honoured with 33 honorary degrees from universities in Canada, the United States, and Australia. His written work includes more than 55 books, 20 of them for children. Dr. Suzuki has been honoured with adoptions and names from eight Indigenous Nations in Canada and Australia.

Former Minister of Climate and the Environment of Norway, Former Executive Director of UN Environmen
Norway

Erik Solheim is a well-known global leader on environment and development as well as an experienced peace negotiator. 

He served as Norwegian minister of Environment and International Development from 2005-2012. During that period, he initiated the global program for conservation of rainforests and brought through game changing national legislation - among them the Biodiversity Act and legislation to protect Oslo city forests. He brought Norwegian development assistance to 1%, the highest in the world. Before joining government, he was leader of 
the Socialist Left Party 1987-97 as well as member of Norwegian Parliament 1989-2001.

He led the peace efforts in Sri Lanka from 1999-2009 as the main negotiator of the peace process between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers and played a vital role in peace processes in Nepal, Myanmar, Sudan and Burundi.


Erik was the Executive Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (the main body of world donors) from 2012-2016 and Undersecretary General of the UN and Executive Director of UN 
Environment from 2016 to 2018.


Currently he is President of Europe - Asia Center in Brussels.

He is International Vice President of the Belt and Road Green Development Coalition in Beijing and member of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development.

Erik is international environment adviser to Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President of Sri Lanka and member of the Climate Council of Chief Minister MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu, India.

Erik is chairman of the development roundtable in Green Hydrogen Organization, adviser to Global Wind Energy Council and board member of International Hydropower Association.

In business Erik is adviser to RGE of Indonesia, the world largest paper and pulp company. He is also adviser to Key Carbon, a London based carbon credit provider. Erik works closely, on a non-profit basis, with ProClime, a climate company in Chennai, India.

Erik is Ambassador for the Center of Oneness in Omkareshwar India, celebrating the Hindu reformer and Saint Adi Shankaracharya

He is Chief Mentor of Global Alliance for Sustainable Planet, Chairman of the Board of Afroz Shah Foundation in Mumbai, mentor for the Zero Plastic Movement in Sri Lanka and mentor to the Smart Campuis Cloud Network in Pune, India.

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), bKash Limited
Bangladesh

Mr Ali Ahmmed, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of bKash Limited Bangladesh. He was awarded as the best "Chief Commercial Officer of the Year",at the Bangladesh C- Suite Awards with the organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum. Ali Ahmmed is widely acknowledged for his contributions to bKash's commercial strategies, enhancing the company's market presence and customer engagement.

Managing Director, Grameen Shakti
Bangladesh

Sohel Ahmed is the Managing Director of Grameen Shakti, a leading social business in the world that focuses on improving access to energy. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy, Sohel oversees all aspects of the organization. He has led major development projects in partnership with global agencies such as UNDESA, USAID, the World Bank, and ADB. Sohel also heads Grameen Shakti’s “Consultancy & Knowledge Practice” cell, which implements innovative projects including the water-and-energy nexus, solar-based EV charging enterprise model, and just energy transition initiatives. As an advocate for renewable energy (RE), the SDGs, and climate action, he has contributed to global energy forums, including as a member of the UN Technical Working Group on Energy Access. Recognized for promoting women’s participation in the energy sector, he serves as a Senior Advisor and Steering Committee member of the World Bank’s WePOWERnetwork, and received their Individual Achievement Award for his leadership.

Managing Director, Grameen Healthcare Services Ltd.
Bangladesh

Shamsul Haque Ahmed brings more than 25 years of corporate experience, including 14 years in top management positions. He obtained an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in 2000, with a Major in Finance. He also completed a B.Sc. in Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) from Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology.

His career track includes operations and business development, sales administration, market development, and project management. Shamsul worked for reputed top-level companies like Omera Petroleum, ARTISAN Ceramics, SHANTA Properties, Rahimafrooz & Shinepukur Ceramics. Presently, he is working as the Managing Director of Grameen Health Care Services Ltd., as well as serving as Managing Director at Samajik Health Science Institute and Research Center.

Shamsul Haque Ahmed is a business professional, a member of various associations, and has participated in numerous professional training programs and workshops both locally and internationally.

Associate Professor, Faculty of Advanced Information Technology, Kyushu University
Japan

Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Player,
Bangladesh

Sumaiya Akter, born on 15 October 2005 in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, is an all-rounder cricketer who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin (ROS). She has proudly represented Bangladesh in women’s cricket, including serving as captain of the Bangladesh Women’s U19 team during the Women’s U19 World Cup and Asia Cup. Sumaiya began playing cricket in her hometown of Mymensingh, driven by a deep love for the game and a dream to represent her country for many years. Her favorite cricketer is Mst Farzana Haque Pinky, whose batting style she admires and relates to. Sumaiya’s best cricketing moment was the day she first represented Bangladesh, and her ambition is to become a top-ranked all-rounder in world cricket. She is particularly attracted to the ODI format and fondly recalls attending the final match of the 2018 Women’s Asia Cup as a fan. Outside of cricket, she enjoys hanging out with friends.

Nobin Udyokta, Ladies Tailors and Cloth Store
Bangladesh

Taslima is a trained tailor who started her business with just one sewing machine and BDT 4,000 in capital. She joined the Nobin Udyokta program by Grameen Shakti Samajik Byabosha Ltd. and  an initial equity investment of BDT 1,50,000 to grow her tailoring business. Reinvesting her profits, she  a second round of BDT 3,50,000, which allowed her to open a women’s clothing shop. With further support—BDT 6,50,000 in the third term, BDT 10,00,000 in the fourth, BDT 7,00,000 in the fifth, and BDT 12,00,000 in the sixth—Taslima significantly expanded her operations. She opened two additional shops catering to children and men’s apparel. Today, she runs four shops, directly employs nine people, and supports the livelihoods of nine more through her supply chain. Taslima has built a thriving, inclusive business that contributes to her community through job creation and economic empowerment.

Founder & Executive Director, IDF
Bangladesh

Mr. Zahirul Alam, Founder and the Executive Director, IDF (Integrated Development Foundation) Bangladesh, started his career with Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus as his assistant at REP (Rural Economics Program), Department of Economics, Chittagong University in 1973 where Grameen Bank Model was developed in the 1970s. He completed his Master’s with honours in Economics from the same University. Mr. Alam also worked as Action Research Fellow at BARD (Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development) for 8 years and about 9 years in ILO as an Economist in Addis Ababa. He returned from Addis Ababa in 1992 and established IDF (Integrated Development Foundation) in the same year. IDF started its operation in 1993 with the replication of Grameen Model in Chittagong Hill Tracts – a remote, difficult and politically sensitive area of Bangladesh. IDF is now working on sustainable development through piloting and expansion of social business in its command areas under the guidance of Mr. Alam.

Professor and Dean, Lincoln Institute of Higher Education, Sydney
Australia

Dr. Mahfuz Ashraf is a highly accomplished academic and leader in business and information technology, currently serving as the Dean and a Professor at the Lincoln Institute of Higher Education in Sydney. With over two decades in academia, he is also a figure in applying social business principles to the social determinants of health.

As the director of the Yunus Social Business Health Hub at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Dr. Ashraf collaborated closely with the philosophy of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. This partnership led to the development of the first-ever course in social business in public health, integrating Professor Yunus's groundbreaking models to address health challenges through sustainable enterprise.

Dr. Ashraf is a prolific author with over 50 publications cited more than 700 times and has secured numerous research grants in fields like health leadership and social entrepreneurship. He has supervised over 40 doctoral and master's students. His leadership continues at the not-for-profit Lincoln Institute, where he inspires the academic community toward excellence and innovation.

Adjunct Professor of Social Innovation, Catolica Losbon
Portugal

Carlos is an adjunct professor at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics Business School and the research manager of the Yunus Social Innovation centre at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics.

Carlos is the former President of the Board of Directors and CEO of IES-Social Business School, he is the founder and former president of the Board of Directors at ESLIDER-PORTUGAL - National Network for Civil Society Leaders - and former Board member at EUCLID-Network – European Network for Civil Society Leaders. He worked as a research associate at INSEAD. He was also a research assistant and lecturer at Catolica Porto Business School and the former CEO of UDIPSS-PORTO, an umbrella group for more than 500 Nonprofit organizations in the country. He is the author of several books on Social Innovation such as “Managing Nonprofit Organizations - the challenge of social Innovation”, “The Social Entrepreneur’s Guide to Changing the World” and “Governance Manual for Nonprofit Organizations - the leadership challenge of social innovation". 

Founder President, Lincoln University College
Malaysia

Dr. Amiya Bhaumik is a distinguished educator, global academic leader, and the visionary Founder and President of Lincoln University College (LUC), Malaysia. With degrees in biology, psychology, culture, and international management—including a PhD—Dr. Bhaumik has championed accessible, high-quality education for decades. Under his leadership, LUC has expanded to offer over 170 programs across 12 faculties, including PhDs and MBBS degrees, and operates in over 30 countries.

A prolific scholar, he has authored over 200 academic publications and edited volumes for leading global publishers. He has held key international roles, including Director of International Affairs at Ottawa University (USA), and currently serves as Mayor of Akko City in Gombe, Africa.

Dr. Bhaumik is the recipient of the Bintang Cemerlang Melaka (B.C.M.) award and is deeply inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s vision of universal education. His motto, “Work is Worship,” reflects his lifelong commitment to transforming lives through knowledge.

President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for SDGs,
Hong Kong

James Chau is President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), a Hong Kong-based nonprofit founded by the Honorable Tung Chee-hwa. Appointed in 2023, he leads efforts to strengthen U.S.–China relations through dialogue, education, and cultural exchange. He also serves as the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals.

A former television news anchor, Chau has interviewed global figures such as Jimmy Carter, Muhammad Yunus, Kofi Annan, and Christine Lagarde.

He began his UN work in 2009 as the inaugural UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in China. Born in the UK to Hong Kong and Indonesian parents, he studied at King’s College London and Cambridge University and completed executive education at Harvard Kennedy School. In 2025, he joined the World Economic Forum’s Global Futures Council.

Planning Deputy Supervisor, Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan
Taiwan

Ranny Chen, lives by the motto “Be a person of impact,” has dedicated many years to the fields of NGOs and social business, combining her background in social work with innovative thinking to help others.

Inspired by Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Foundation for Social Business Taiwan established a Grameen School in 2023, with Ranny helping to run its operations. The school empowers disadvantaged and elderly community members to lift themselves out of poverty through entrepreneurship and create a meaningful second chapter in their lives.

Managing Director, Grameen Kalyan ,
Bangladesh

A K M Moinuddin Chowdhury has been the Managing Director of Grameen Kalyan since 2019—the largest non-government primary healthcare provider in Bangladesh, founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. He holds an MBA from Bayes Business School, City University, London (formerly Cass Business School), and began his post-MBA career as a Principal Consultant at Frost & Sullivan in London.

With over 36 years of professional experience, including 16 years in the Bangladesh Army, Mr. Chowdhury has held senior leadership roles across the development and financial sectors. He has worked as an international consultant, overseeing major donor-funded initiatives by DFID (UK Aid) and DFAT (Australian Aid) in Bangladesh, with a focus on strategic management, finance, and government engagement.

He managed the £82.7M Chars Livelihoods Programme, DFID’s flagship poverty reduction project, and later served as Director of Finance at Maxwell Stamp Plc-UK, where he contributed to vital public financial reforms in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

Chairman and Director, Grameen Bank
Bangladesh

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury is the Chairman and Director of Grameen Bank and also the Vice Chancellor of North South University (NSU), Bangladesh. With over 37 years of experience in academia and leadership across Bangladesh, the U.S., Canada, and China. He has served as Vice Chancellor of Primeasia University and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University, and held senior roles at NSU including Dean of the School of Business and Economics. He also served as a visiting Professor of Yunnan Normal University, China. 

He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and an M.S. in Operations Research from Northeastern University, USA and completed Post-Doctoral research at the University of Calgary, Canada. A global advocate for social business, Professor Chowdhury has collaborated closely with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus to advance inclusive finance. He has published 70+ scholarly works and led research funded project by the World Bank, British Council, OAF, ISC, and others.

Recognized by AACSB for leadership in DEI, he was also awarded an Honorary Professorship by Nanjing Audit University, China. His work continues to shape education, research, and social innovation.

Director, Impact Hub Dhaka
Bangladesh

Bishwamitra Chowdhury is a seasoned social innovation leader with over nine years of experience driving entrepreneurship and development in Bangladesh. Currently the Director at Impact Hub Dhaka, he leads operations and partnerships to empower a growing community of changemakers. Previously, he served as Senior Program Manager at YY Ventures, supporting over 35 startups and delivering 25+ training programs on social business, youth leadership, and women's entrepreneurship.

His work spans collaborations with global institutions like USAID, UNFPA, and ILO, and includes co-leading key research on COVID-19’s economic impact. Bishwamitra’s cross-sector experience—across startups, private firms, and NGOs—gives him unique insight into Bangladesh’s development ecosystem. Recognized as an Acumen Fellow (2020) he is known for his commitment to social innovation. Outside work, he volunteers with Pawmang School in Bandarban, supporting education for over 100 indigenous students.

Managing Director, Chittagong Social Business Centre Limited
Bangladesh

Mr. Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury is the Managing Director of Chittagong Social Business Center limited. An eminent businessperson involved in Ready Made Garments, Packaging, Shipping, Insurance, Leasing, Real Estate, and Social Business. He served as president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Director, Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) and Chittagong Stock Exchange. He represented business and trade delegations of Bangladesh in USA, India, Thailand, and other countries, and played leading role in establishing World Trade Center in Chittagong. He serves as Senate Member, Chittagong University, Trustee and Syndicate Member, Chittagong Independent University, Member of Independent University Bangladesh, Education, Science, Technology, Cultural & Development Trust (ESTCDT), Member, Governing Council, Institute of Forestry, Chittagong University. He serves also as Honorary Consul of Thailand in Chittagong. For his extensive and distinguished work with Thailand, in August 2022 he was awarded the highest civilian honor titled “Companion of the Most Noble Order Of the Crown of Thailand. ” 

Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury was born in 1952. He is happily married to Mrs. Rahima Chowdhury and have two talented daughters
 

Treasurer, University of Dhaka; Professor, Department of Finance; Executive Director, Centre for Microfinance and Development, University of Dhaka,
Bangladesh

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury is a Professor in the Department of Finance at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and currently serves as the Treasurer of the university. He is also the Executive Director of the Center for Microfinance and Development. With a distinguished academic career, Professor Chowdhury has served as a visiting scholar at numerous renowned institutions worldwide since 2000. Notably, he has held the position of Senior Fellow at both the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and the Center for Global Engineering at the University of Toronto. Professor Chowdhury's educational background includes a B.Com (Hons) and an M.Com in Finance and Banking from the University of Dhaka, as well as a Ph.D. in Banking and Finance from the University of Stirling in the UK. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including microfinance, poverty alleviation, safety nets, entrepreneurship, climate finance, payments for ecosystem services, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility. Beyond his academic work, Professor Chowdhury has shared his expertise as a consultant with various national and international organizations, including the World Bank, CIDA, DFID, FAO, UNDP, PKSF, and the Government of Bangladesh.

Founder, Grameen Foundation and Independent Consultant to Nonprofit Organizations
United States

Alex Counts is a nonprofit leader, educator, consultant, and author.  He established the Grameen Foundation in 1997 with the assistance of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus and built it into a global organization over 18 years as its CEO. He is the author of Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind: Leadership Lessons from Three Decades of Social Entrepreneurship (Rivertowns Books, 2021), a semi-autobiographical work focused on lessons in nonprofit leadership and self-care, Small Loans, Big Dreams, and 2 other books.  He has been published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the Washington Post, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and elsewhere, and is an active blogger.  He serves as the Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance. He lives with his wife Emily and cat Meena in Hyattsville, Maryland, and serves in a volunteer capacity as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children in his county.

Vincenzo Cursio,Journalist, Human Rights Activist, and Member of Yunus Foundation,
Italy

Enzo Cursio is an Italian journalist and human rights activist with over 30 years of international experience in peacebuilding, nuclear disarmament, sustainable development, and social justice. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, he is a long-time member of the Yunus Foundation Italy and has collaborated closely with Muhammad Yunus for nearly two decades. He is the Founder of the City of Peace for Children and Co-Founder of both the World Center of Compassion for Children International and the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates Secretariat.

A peace negotiator and disarmament advocate, he contributed to the TPNW process and campaigns like Senzatomica. As a Pan-Africanist, he supported democratic transitions in Nigeria and dialogue in Côte d’Ivoire.

In 2024, with Pope Francis’ support, he founded the Pope Francis Yunus 3ZERO Club in Rome. He also serves as Ambassador of the Pontifical Foundation Fratelli Tutti, promoting fraternity and youth-led social change across borders.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, myHarapan
Malaysia

Nurfarini Daing is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Trust Foundation since February 2011. She spearheads strategic development in social entrepreneurship and youth initiatives, personally mentoring young social innovators. Her significant contributions include fostering relationships with multiple stakeholders from the government, corporate, and academia, including facilitating the Malaysian Yunus Social Business network. She also consults government and state agencies on social business enterprise development.

Her background includes impactful roles in technology, such as Manager of eServices and Project Coordination at Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), where she initiated the Gov 2.0 framework. Nurfarini holds a BSc in Accounting & Finance from the University of Warwick, UK, and is an alumna of the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme. Her work has earned her recognition, including being named among the TOP 100 Wiki Impact in 2022 and receiving the Social Innovation Leader Award in 2014.

Chief Operating Officer, YY Ventures
Bangladesh

Osman Dhali leads strategic planning and operations as the Chief Operating Officer at YY Ventures with a focus on driving sustainable growth and impact. He plays a key role in optimizing processes, managing performance, shaping the organization’s direction, revenue strategy, and brand. Deeply committed to entrepreneurship and social innovation, Osman is passionate about nurturing social enterprises and supporting young changemakers.

His experience spans international development agencies and INGOs, where he worked across organizational development, youth empowerment, and capacity building. These experiences have fueled his dedication to creating systems that enable youth entrepreneurs to thrive. At YY Ventures, Osman brings this background into practice, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and purpose. His work reflects a deep belief in the power of inclusive entrepreneurship to drive social progress and create lasting change in communities.

Co-CEO & Shareholder, Yunus Social Innovation
Germany

Lucie is an experienced corporate intrapreneur dedicated to social innovation models. Lucie has 10+ years of experience in developing and scaling inclusive business and social innovation initiatives within large companies. She worked with Danone Communities, the impact venture fund of Danone co-initiated by Pr Yunus, to develop the investment portfolio. She launched the inclusive business 2.5NVG for Essilor to develop access to eye care in West Africa. She joined Yunus Social Business in 2021 to develop the social procurement department, Unusual Partners. Today, Lucie serves as Co-CEO and shareholder of Yunus Social Innovation, a sister organization of Yunus Social Business.

At YSI, Lucie, alongside her co-CEOs Lisa and Sergio, shapes strategies that help corporate innovators build impact-first businesses and work with social entrepreneurs and sector partners to jointly shape the next generation of business leaders.

Lucie combines her background in business strategy and management, in social procurement, and her passion for social innovation that serves human well-being while within planetary boundaries.

Chair, Department of Economics, North South University
Bangladesh

 
Dr. S. M. Asif Ehsan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at North South University. He is currently serving as the Chairman of the department. Dr. Ehsan obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from Virginia Tech, USA. His primary research interests include development economics and environmental economics. As an empirical researcher, Dr. Ehsan has contributed to several economic and interdisciplinary research projects supported by organizations such as the IDRC, Canada, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UNDP, and the Bangladesh Planning Commission. His research addresses a wide range of social, climate change, and environmental issues. Dr. Ehsan has published in prominent academic journals. He also contributes economic articles to national and international periodicals.

Prior to obtaining his Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from Virginia Tech, USA, he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Dhaka, graduating with first-class honors in both.

Managing Director, Grameen Credit Agricole Microfinance Foundation
France

Veronique Faujour began her career in the press sector from 1986 to 2016 as Product Manager at Bayard Presse Jeune, Sales Director, and finally as Senior Division Marketing Director – Responsible for development and distribution. She worked for the La Vie/Le Monde group, then for Fleurus Presse, the group’s youth press subsidiary. She later joined the Marie-Claire group as a magazine publisher before joining Uni-Editions as Deputy Managing Director. In 2010, she was Managing Director of Uni-Editions.

In 2016, she joined the Group Crédit Agricole S.A. as Marketing and Communication Director within the Development, Customer and Innovation division of Crédit Agricole S.A. On January 1, 2020, she was appointed General Secretary of Crédit Agricole S.A. before being appointed Managing Director of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation in November 2022.

Associate Professor and Director, Southeast Business School, Southeast University
Bangladesh

Dr. Farhana Ferdousi is an Associate Professor and Director of the BBA Program at Southeast Business School, Southeast University, Bangladesh. She serves on the Boards of Grameen Bank and SR Asia Foundation and holds a PhD in Economics from Wuhan University. Her research focuses on social business, women’s empowerment, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Ferdousi has published extensively and presented her work at international conferences across Asia, Europe, and Africa. She promotes women’s and youth entrepreneurship through social business and microfinance, and has organized numerous student competitions and campaigns. As a consultant to national and international NGOs, she advises on SDG implementation and regularly speaks at global forums. She has also served as Director of the Institute of Research & Training at Southeast University and was a strategic research partner with the Center for Emerging Market Research at Nanyang University, Singapore. Her work bridges academic research and practical solutions for inclusive development.

President of the Pontifical Committee for World Children's Day,
Italy

Father Enzo Fortunato was born on November 24, 1966, in Northampton (UK). He holds a Bachelor's and a Doctorate in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical Theological Faculty of “San Bonaventura” (1996). He earned a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Salesian University (1999). He is a licensed journalist (2005). In September 1986, he began his journey in the Order of Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Custody of the Sacred Convent of Assisi. After his year of novitiate, he made his temporary profession on August 30, 1989, and his definitive profession on September 26, 1992. He was ordained a priest on July 2, 1994, at the Cathedral of Scala (Salerno). He was the coordinator of the first World Children's Day held on May 25 and 26, 2024, and on November 20 of the same year, he was appointed by Pope Francis as President of the Pontifical Committee for World Children's Day. He is the Editorial Director of the new magazine Piazza San Pietro, the information organ of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. He is the author of L’enciclica dei Bambini (2023) published by San Paolo, with a preface by Pope Francis, and Vivere il Giubileo (2024).

Co-Founder & CEO, Nabin Entrepreneurship Foundation
India

Biswajit Ghosh is a Senior Yunus Fellow (with Yunus Centre) and Founder of Nabin Entrepreneurship Foundation, which is inspired by the Nabin Udyokta philosophy of Professor Muhammad Yunus. After over two and a half decades of senior leadership roles with HSBC Bank Group globally, he took the decision to join the Development sector at the start of the pandemic phase.

As Yunus Fellow, he recently undertook the pilot implementation of a Social Business Internship program, aimed for college students and 3ZERO Club members, and thereby creating a global model to propagate the mission of 3ZEROs globally amongst youth. The 3-month pilot covering 137 students in Bhopal,  India- generated great feedback (Net Promoter Scores of 90%+ amongst students). 

Biswajit Ghosh is also the Global Partnership Director for Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED), which focuses on planning & implementing economic development projects amongst Rotary Clubs globally.

During the pandemic, he worked as the CEO of Rotary India Literacy Mission (RILM), and led several national literacy campaigns for Rotary Clubs, e.g., RILM was the leading NGO contributor of eLearning content for 12 National PM -eVidya TV Channels of NCERT, etc

General Secretary, Grameen Credit Agricole Microfinance Foundation
France

From 1986 to 2004, Philippe Guichandut worked for various French development agencies and NGOs, including six years living in Rwanda, India, and the Philippines, in charge of setting up and monitoring development and microfinance projects.

He became the first Executive Director of the European Microfinance Network when it
was created in 2004, before joining the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation in November 2010, as the head of investments and technical assistance. He became
the General Secretary of the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation in 2024.
He has been teaching development project management and microfinance for more than 20 years in France and abroad. Philippe Guichandut holds a master’s degree in urban social development from the University of Evry and an MBA from the European University of San Francisco.

Chief Executive Officer, Global Impact Initiative
Australia

Giles Gunesekera OAM is the Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative (GII), a purpose-driven organisation that designs and develops impact investments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With over 30 years of leadership experience across finance, social impact, and international development, Giles is recognised for his ability to build cross-sector partnerships that generate both financial and social returns. He is currently undertaking a PhD focused on affordable housing and impact investing, with an emphasis on Indigenous and marginalised communities. Giles has served on numerous commercial and not-for-profit boards and has long been an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2023, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to social welfare. He is passionate about empowering communities through inclusive finance, and his work focuses on shifting capital to create systemic change and measurable impact at scale. 

Chairman - Internet Governance Forum’s DC - Digital Health & Chairman- Commonwealth AI Consortium for Capacity Building,
India

Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta is a globally recognized expert in Digital Health and public policy. He has worked with major multilateral organizations—including the UN, WHO, World Bank, and WEF—and invited by governments worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and India. A former advisor to India’s Union Health Minister, he played a pivotal role in drafting landmark policies such as the National Health Policy, Education Policy, and Viksit Bharat Abhiyan.

His bestselling book Digital Health – Truly Transformational is used globally as a reference and course book. He leads three dynamic coalitions at the UN Internet Governance Forum and serves on the Board of the International Society for Telemedicine and e-Health. He also chairs the Commonwealth AI Consortium for capacity building.

Dr. Gupta was invited by the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office to help draft its AI policy. A World Economic Forum nominee and HIMSS Global Impact Awardee, he has authored five books and delivered 250+ talks globally.

Lecturer, Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing
Bangladesh

Sheena Halder is a dedicated nurse educator with over six years of academic experience in nursing and midwifery education. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing, specializing in theoretical, clinical, and skills-based instruction.

Sheena holds a BSc in Nursing from Kumudini Nursing College, an MPH from Northern
University of Bangladesh, and an MSc in Nursing (Advancing Professional Practice) from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.

She previously served as Course Coordinator for the Developing Midwives Project at BRAC University, where she contributed to curriculum design, faculty development, and training facilitation. Her expertise spans academic leadership, geriatric and dementia care, and nursing education. Through numerous professional training and workshops, she has built strong competencies in participatory teaching, qualitative research, safeguarding, gender-responsive instruction, and student mentorship. Passionate about evidence-based, student-centered learning, Sheena is committed to advancing nursing education in Bangladesh through innovation, collaboration, and capacity building. 

Managing Director, Grameen Bank
Bangladesh

Starting career as a trade marketer working for the largest FMCG product marketing and distribution company (BATB) of the country, He got the opportunity to get the exposure of working in many geographies of Bangladesh. Later on switching to financial institution, he gained a good experience through leading banking business channels like Retail Banking, SME Banking and Agriculture business. Closely worked with financial inclusion through Agent Banking network, manage digital banking through integrated innovation with in the payment eco system and also in the space of Microfinance. In this journey he worked for Brac Bank, UCB PLC, Bank Aaia and Sajida Foundation. He is currently working as Managing Director Grameen Bank.

Managing Director, Grameen Distribution Ltd. & Grameen Shamogree
Bangladesh

Md. Zohorul Haque Biplob is a seasoned business leader, currently serving as the Managing Director of Grameen Distribution Ltd. (GDL) and Grameen Shamogree since 2021. Previously, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer at GDL, where he demonstrated strategic leadership in business operations, product distribution, and stakeholder engagement.

With more than 28 years of experience and a deep commitment to the Social Business model, Mr. Biplob focuses on improving the socioeconomic conditions of underprivileged communities across Bangladesh. He also held a key leadership role as CEO of G. Japan Auto World Ltd.

Earlier in his career, he led the Village Phone Program at Grameen Telecom, a groundbreaking initiative that expanded telecom access in rural areas and empowered communities through self-employment. With expertise spanning business revenue, customer support, and product management, Mr. Biplob brings a multidimensional perspective to his work. He holds an M.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Dhaka and an MBA with a major in Marketing.

Co-CEO & Shareholder, Yunus Social Innovation
Germany

Lisa is an experienced corporate intrapreneur and impact entrepreneur. Lisa has 15+ years of experience in establishing innovation initiatives globally. In 2017, Lisa shaped and led the MAN Impact Accelerator, owned by MAN Truck & Bus and Yunus Social Business. She joined Yunus Social Business in 2020 to design corporate social innovation programs and shape their EU-based intrapreneurship function. Today, Lisa serves as Co-CEO and shareholder of Yunus Social Innovation, a sister organization of Yunus Social Business.

At YSI, Lisa, alongside her co-CEOs Sergio and Lucie, shapes strategies that help corporate innovators build impact-first businesses and work with social entrepreneurs and sector partners to jointly shape the next generation of business leaders.

Lisa combines her background in political science, journalism, and innovation with a passion for corporate social intrapreneurship, transformation, and ecosystem building. She worked for consultancies, venture builders, and corporations within Europe and, at YSI, focuses on the DACH region.

Managing Director, Japan Automechanic Ltd.
Japan

Japan Automechanic Ltd. has run the Japan Automechanic School (JAS) in Dhaka, Bangladesh since 2012.  As the Japanese government opened the door to automechanic jobs from overseas candidates, JAS has to date, sent 34 graduates to Japan as automechnics.  Based on the agreement with the Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, JAS plans to send 100,000 Bangladesh young people to Japan in various industries in the near future.  This year JAS started a Japanese language class for the graduates of Grameen Caledonian Nursing School to send them to Japan as caregivers.  He is also the Chief Executive Consultant of EY Strategy and Consulting Co.,Ltd. in Japan.  Before joining EY in 2023, he worked at Citibank, UBS and Credit Suisse as Managing Director respectively.

Programs Coordinator, YY Ventures
Bangladesh

Farhia Tabassum Hoque is a social entrepreneur with over seven years of experience in building businesses and developing the startup ecosystem. As the Programs Coordinator at YY Ventures, she manages entrepreneurship support programs that benefit early-stage social entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, East Africa, and Latin America.  

She previously managed shuttles for school to provide safe transportation for students and co-founded CHAYA, a co-living startup in Bangladesh that provided housing to a largely underserved group—bachelors in Bangladesh, especially women. Farhia is also building Working Women Bangladesh, a resource-sharing community aimed at empowering women in leadership roles, and serves as the Curator of the Global Shapers Dhaka Hub, a World Economic Forum initiative

Managing Director, Grameen Fashion and Fabrics & Grameen Knitwear Ltd.
Bangladesh

Mohammed Anwar Hossain is Managing Director of Grameen Knitwear Ltd and Grameen Fabrics & Fashion Ltd. He is a Textile Engineering graduated from BUTEX. Working with Grameen since 20 years. He is the pioneer of developed the sportswear and active wear at Bangladesh. Mohammed Anwar Hossain has 25 years’ experience about garments, textiles and fashions. During the pandemic he developed the quality standard PPE and produce a large no of PPE in Bangladesh. At textile sector to prevent the Carbon Emission he introduced various process for Fabrics production.

Managing Director, Grameen Shikkha
Bangladesh

Mr. Qazi Nazrul Huque, Managing Director of Grameen Shikkha, studied Public Administration at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Business Administration at Victoria University, Melbourne. He joined Grameen Bank in 1990 as a Senior Officer and worked as a branch manager in several branches of the bank. He also worked at the Training Institute as well as the International Program Department of the bank. He moved to Grameen Shikkha in 2001. He writes on Social Business and has served as a guest lecturer on Social Business at different universities.

Dean, Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship, Daffodil International University
Bangladesh

Professor Mohammed Masum Iqbal is the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship at Daffodil International University, Bangladesh. He also serves as Director of the Yunus Social Business Centre at DIU. With a PhD from the University of Dhaka, he has over two decades of academic and leadership experience, specializing in marketing, social business, and sustainable development.

He has taught and lectured internationally in Turkey, Malaysia, and beyond, and is a strong voice for embedding social business into academic curricula. A frequent speaker at Social Business Day and international conferences, Professor Iqbal is a passionate advocate for integrating social business into higher education and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets for a better world.

Senior Research Fellow, Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), The Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Japan

Dr. Emadul Islam is a Senior Research fellow at the Ocean Policy Research Institute at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan. He is also serving as an Advisor Special Envoy to the chairman, Royal University Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was an adjunct scholar for the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), Washington DC, USA. Prior to this, Dr. Islam served as a development expert and researcher in three different organizations, including Transparency International Bangladesh; BRAC; and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Independent University, Bangladesh for research and evaluation. He was conferred a PhD in Community Development under the Yayasan Khazanah scholarship from the University of Malaya, Malaysia in 2021. Dr. Islam was awarded the Fulbright Visiting Scholarship in 2022-23 for pursuing Post-Doctoral research at Northeastern University, Boston, USA.

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), PT Green Energi Utamasia
Indonesia

Puput Deni Iswara, affectionately known as Denis, is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of PT Green Energi Utama, an Indonesian company specializing in the collection and export of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) as a feedstock for renewable energy, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biodiesel.

Her journey with the company began when her husband initiated the business on a small scale. Recognizing its potential, Denis joined from the early days and has played a vital role in its growth. With an academic background in Nutrition and no formal experience in the energy or waste management sectors, she has demonstrated remarkable dedication to learning and adapting—proving that passion and purpose can drive impactful change across industries.

In her current role, Denis leads key strategic areas of the business: forging partnerships with local UCO suppliers, managing relationships with international buyers, and ensuring smooth daily operations in compliance with both domestic and international regulations. Her inclusive, detail-oriented, and people-centered leadership has significantly contributed to amplifying the company's environmental and social impact.

Founder and President, Euglena Co. Ltd and Chairman, Euglena GG Ltd. (Grameen Euglena),
Japan

Mitsuru Izumo is the Founder and President of Euglena Co., Ltd., a pioneering biotechnology company leveraging the microalga Euglena to address malnutrition and environmental challenges. Inspired by a transformative visit to Bangladesh in 1998, Izumo founded Euglena Co., Ltd. in 2005 after achieving the world’s first successful commercial cultivation of Euglena. He also serves as the Honorable Chairman of Grameen Euglena in Bangladesh. A graduate of the University of Tokyo and the Price-Babson Program at Babson College, Izumo previously worked at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. He has  numerous honors, including Japan’s Prime Minister’s Awards for Entrepreneurship and SDG Promotion, and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He is also a published author, policy advisor, part-time lecturer at the University of Tokyo, and member of Keidanren. Izumo exemplifies the fusion of innovation and impact, using science and business to promote global sustainability and social good.

Co-founder & Managing Director, Yunus Environment Hub
Germany

Christina co-founded Yunus Environment Hub (YEH) together with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and Hans Reitz. YEH develops social business solutions that tackle the environmental and climate crisis. The expertise of the global YEH network covers waste & plastic management, circular economy, carbon neutrality, biodiversity, afforestation, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and access to clean water.

Christina was appointed to the Commission on Sustainable Business, Trade and Finance of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation & Development and serves as co chair of the ministry’s PREVENT Waste Alliance. She is part of the advisory committee of the Circular Action Hub, a board member of the Circular Economy for Africa association, a Responsible Leader of the BMW Foundation World Responsible Leaders network and has  a Social Impact Scholarship of KfW Foundation. 

She has lectured at several universities and speaks regularly at high profile events. In 2016 she co-founded “Circular Economy Rhein Main” and in 2019 “Colombia Circular”, platforms to develop a circular economy in Rhein Main metropolitan region and Colombia respectively; in 2016 she co-founded “The Plastic Lab”, a creative laboratory to keep plastics out of nature.

Chief Executive Officer, Rizq
Pakistan

Qasim Javaid is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rizq, a social enterprise that is working to combat food insecurity through developing various social business initiatives from the farm to the fork. 

Under his leadership, Rizq has received the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan and the Covid-Hero award by the Government of Punjab. He has represented Pakistan at various platforms. He has also been selected as a Young Influencer of Pakistan by the U.S. Department of State in the International Visitor Leadership Program.

With a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture, Qasim has spearheaded initiatives that bridge the gap between food surplus and insecurity, driving systemic change in the agri-food landscape. Having completed a Yunus Professional Master's in Social Business from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, Qasim is a pioneer in driving systemic change within Pakistan through social entrepreneurship.

President and CEO, Grameen America Inc.
United States

Andrea Jung is the President and CEO of Grameen America, the largest and fastest-growing micro-finance organization in the United States today. Appointed by Professor Muhammad Yunus in 2014, she has led Grameen America to sustainability and scale,  serving over 250,000 women entrepreneurs with more than $5.5 billion in loans. 

Andrea is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avon Products, Inc., where she served as CEO from 1999 to 2012, and as Chairman from 2001 through 2012. Throughout her career, Ms. Jung ranked consistently among the top leaders on lists including Fortune's "Most Powerful Women in Business," Forbes’ "Most Powerful Women in the World," and the Financial Times' "Top Women in World Business." Ms. Jung is a graduate of Princeton University. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Apple Inc., Rockefeller Capital Management, and Wayfair Inc. She previously served on the boards of General Electric, Daimler AG, and Unilever.

EdTech & EDSMAT Program Lead, Yunus Center AIT
Thailand

Mr. Binay Karna is a highly accomplished PhD student in structural engineering with over eight years of professional experience working with donor agencies as DFID-UKAid. He is the head of EdTech and ESDMAT program at YCA. His proficiency in technical details, advanced engineering software and expertise in online training platforms distinguishes him. Additionally, Mr. Karna is also a Sakura Science Scholar (provided by Government of Japan) and has presented papers at numerous conferences. Recently he completed WePower-SAR100 training program and Social Business Academia Conference as technical lead. In addition, he also tutors postgraduate students guiding them through the research works and is a lab instructor for courses in structural engineering at Asian Institute of Technology.  He has also been among finalists and winners in many international competitions as Hult Prize 2020, BUxBerkley Hacakthon, Circular Innovation Challenge, etc.


Panelist 4: Naoko Oishi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Policy Science, Ryukoku University, Kyoto, Japan

Executive Vice Chairman, Gramen Trust
Bangladesh

Abdul Hai Khan is a prominent practitioner of microfinance and social business. He serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of Grameen Trust (GT) and previously held the position of Managing Director of Grameen Trust from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022.
Before joining GT, Mr. Khan worked as the Deputy General Manager of Grameen Bank and served as the Head of Training and the Special Programs Department. He has worked with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus for over 40 years.

Mr. Khan has extensive experience with GT’s worldwide replication programs based on the Grameen Bank Approach (GBA). He has conducted numerous international training programs on various issues related to microcredit and social business in various countries, as well as conducted monitoring and evaluation visits to microcredit projects operated and/or managed by GT globally. He had an opportunity to work as CEO of Grameen Kosovo and General Manager of Family Bank, Bahrain. He has also directed ‘Fact Finding Missions’ in Nepal, Bolivia, South Africa, and Yemen.

Mr. Khan serves on the boards of several microfinance organizations and social business entities in Bangladesh, India, Kosovo, China, and other countries.

General Surgeon,Former Chairman of the Board of Directors,RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund,
United States

Dr. Leckman is a general surgeon in Salt Lake City. He is the past Chairman of the Board of Directors of RESULTS and the RESULTS Educational Fund, organizations dedicated to creating the political will to end the worst aspects of poverty. As a volunteer for 40 years, he has successfully advocated for microfinance,maternal and child health, fighting HIV, TB and malaria. He was Utah’s 2005 Doctor of the Year and a past President of the Utah Medical Association. He helped initiate the Health Access Project, providing over $26 million in donated care. He has served globally as a volunteer surgeon with Project Hope and Hernia International. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City and was 2018–19 District Governor for Rotary in Utah. He was awarded Rotary’s Regional Award for a Polio-Free World in 2020. He  his medical degree and training from the University of Utah.

Co-CEO & shareholder, Yunus Social Innovation
Germany

Sergio is a corporate social innovator and entrepreneur. He has over 15 years of experience driving sustainability, innovation, and impact at the intersection of technology, business, and society. He joined Yunus Social Business in 2019 to lead corporate partnerships, including the design and launch of the Reckitt Access Hub between 2022 and 2025. Today, he serves as Co-CEO and shareholder of YSI.

At YSI, Sergio leads efforts to design bold impact strategies, turn corporate employees into impact innovators, and support social entrepreneurs in becoming the next generation of global business leaders. He works with both corporations and changemakers to build forward-thinking businesses that prove purpose, impact, and profit are not opposing forces—but complementary drivers of lasting success.
His leadership combines corporate strategy, human-centered leadership, and deep ecosystem building, shaped by previous roles as Director of Technology for Good at Ericsson and CEO of Purple IVY, a strategy firm focused on sustainability integration in the Nordic markets.

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Yunus Thailand
Thailand

Callum Mackenzie, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Yunus Thailand: Callum co-founded Yunus Thailand in March 2020 and has led the organization in its efforts to build a social business economy in Thailand and Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and reducing inequality. He has created a number of successful initiatives, such as Waste Hero Education, reaching 750,000 students to date across 6 continents, while currently building social business subsidiaries of Yunus Thailand, such as the Seaweed Social Business and Grameen Thailand. Callum has a diverse range of experience from working in the social business and international development sector around the world with organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, ActionAid, the European Institute for Cooperation and Development, and the UK Government. Callum holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from Sciences Po Paris and a Bachelor’s with Honors from Queen’s University Belfast in Conflict Studies.

Managing Director, Grameen Communications
Bangladesh

Feroz Mahmud is the Managing Director of Grameen Communications which has been driving ICT to enhance access to information, create employment, and promote inclusive social development. Grameen Communications’ ERP solutions for Microfinance have become the backbone of modern microfinance management.
Feroz is a seasoned technology leader and former Country Manager of Microsoft Bangladesh. He was responsible for Microsoft's business in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Before joining Microsoft, he worked for IBM for about 13 years in different technical and management roles.

During his tenure at Microsoft, he played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation
initiatives across the country. With extensive expertise in technology strategy and business development, Feroz fostered partnerships between Microsoft and local industries, contributing to the growth of Bangladesh’s IT ecosystem. His leadership has significantly influenced the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in both the public and private sectors. 

Feroz graduated from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

CEO, Praava Health
Bangladesh

Mohammad Abdul Matin Emon is the Chief Executive Officer of Praava Health, Bangladesh’s first integrated in-person and digital outpatient care platform. With nearly three decades of experience across healthcare, technology, and corporate leadership, Emon is known for building and scaling impactful ventures that drive innovation and expand access to quality care.

He pioneered digital health in Bangladesh through the founding of Doctorola in 2014, a groundbreaking health tech platform recognized by Forbes. At Praava, he is leading strategic transformation focused on operational excellence, sustainable growth, and patient-centric service innovation.

Emon has held senior leadership roles in both global companies and Bangladeshi conglomerates, spearheading major initiatives in ERP implementation, balanced scorecard frameworks, and business model innovation.

Senior Lecturer at the Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Co-Director, YSBC@ Renmin University,
China

Dr. Zhao Meng is a senior lecturer at the Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, and the co-director of Yunus Center at Renmin University of China. He is currently an editorial board member at Stanford Social Innovation Review Books. He holds a PhD in organization theory and strategy from the Said Business School, Oxford University.He was a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, and a visiting scholar at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. 

Dr. Zhao’s work has explored business sustainability and social entrepreneurship. His research has appeared in Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Business Ethics, Management and Organization Review, Business Horizons, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, etc.

Besides research, he served as the cofounder of the China Social Enterprise Service Center, a digital platform for nationwide social enterprise certification, and a chief editor of Social Entrepreneurship book series published by Renmin University Press and Springer.

Director of Fundraising and Business Development, CUFA Global
Brazil

Marina Martins Monterosso combines 18 years of experience in international consulting, specializing in M&A, with a decade of work in social impact. She has worked with NGOs in Brazil and Hong Kong and co-founded the social business Somos Todas Marias in Brazil, dedicated to empowering women in vulnerable communities.

Now based in New York, Marina collaborates with Celso Athayde to lead the global expansion of CUFA and the Favela Holding Group, focusing on fundraising and strategic partnerships. Founded in 2013, Favela Holding encompasses over 25 businesses, from market research to travel and logistics, all designed to create solutions for Brazil’s favelas.

Marina is a firm believer that businesses are key drivers of economic inclusion and essential for building a more equitable future for all.

Principal Coordinator , Sustainable Development Goals, Interim Government of the People's Republic of,
Bangladesh

Lamiya Morshed has 31 years of experience in international development, microcredit, social business, and global advocacy, playing a role in advancing sustainable development worldwide. She served as Executive Director of Yunus Centre since its founding in 2006 and joined Grameen Trust in 1994, helping to establish microcredit programs in many countries and leading microcredit missions to many countries, including Turkey, Timor-Leste, China, Nepal, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. 

She also served as Managing Director of Grameen Healthcare Trust and Chairperson of YY Ventures, and held board positions in organizations such as Grameen Healthcare Services, Grameen Kalyan, Yunus Social Business, Grameen Creative Lab, and the YY Foundation. She has presented papers and talks at numerous high-level international forums on behalf of Grameen Trust and Yunus Centre.

Educated at schools around the world, she is multilingual and holds a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Since August 2024, she has been serving as the Principal Coordinator for SDGs Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh

Managing Director, Grameen Danone Foods Limited
Bangladesh

Leading Possibilities, Unlocking Growth, Driving Transformation.

Dipesh Nag is a globally experienced business leader with a proven track record of driving sustainable growth across Asia and Europe. Known for translating complex strategies into practical execution, he unlocks potential within systems, aligns cross-functional teams, and strengthens financial performance through operational precision.

He has led supply optimization in Austria, accelerated transformation programs in Japan, and led performance renewal in Bangladesh’s evolving nutrition landscape—bringing together an international perspective and grounded leadership. At Grameen Danone, he restructured leadership systems, optimized operations, simplified governance, and institutionalized KPI-led financial discipline.

With leadership roles at Novartis, Sandoz, Square Pharmaceuticals, and Banglalink, Dipesh brings agility, foresight, and deep execution focus to every challenge. A certified Six Sigma Green Belt, he specializes in performance culture, cross-border transformation, and building future-ready organizations.

Managing Director, Grameen Shakti Samajik Byabosha Ltd.
Bangladesh

Mr.Ratan Kumar Nag is currently working as the Managing Director of Grameen Shakti Samajik Byabosha Ltd. Mr. Nag was Managing Director of Grameen Bank and one of the earliest associates of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus since the project period of Grameen Bank. Mr. Nag also worked with CASHPOR Malaysia on deputation from 1997 until 1999, where he supervised Grameen replication projects in the Asia-Pacific region. He participated in various national and international seminars, symposiums, and conferences. Mr. Nag is a member of the Board of Directors of Grameen Shakti, Grameen Fund, Grameen Trust, Grameen Euglena, Grameen Fisheries & Livestock Foundation, Grameen Knitwear, and Grameen Krishi Foundation. He completed his Master's in Management from the University of Dhaka.

Co-founder and Director, Yunus Sports Hub,
France

Yoan Noguier is the co-founder of Yunus Sports Hub.After he led the procurement for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Yoan decided to perform a world tour to promote social procurement for mega events, during which he met Professor Yunus in 2017. 

Their early collaborations led to landmark partnerships with the International Olympic Committee, Paris 2024, AFD, BNP Paribas, and others. Together, they created Yunus Sports Hub to harness sport and social business as tools to fight poverty, unemployment, and the climate crisis.

Yoan also serves as Vice President and Managing Director of Yunus France.

Raised on a farm in southern France, he brings grounded values and a lifelong passion for sport to his work. His unique journey bridges elite sport, entrepreneurship, and social development.

Associate Professor, Faculty of Policy Science, Ryukoku University
Japan

Co-CEO, Euglena GG Ltd.
Bangladesh

Panelist 1: 
 
Shiori Onishi is the Co-CEO of Grameen Euglena. She is currently based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and responsible for developing social business on agriculture and nutrition in the country. Before joining Euglena in March 2022, she worked at Mitsui & Co., Ltd (Japanese trading house), the World Bank, PwC, and CROWD CREDIT, Inc., and was engaged in rural finance, microfinance and infrastructure projects in emerging countries. During her assignment at the World Bank, she was based in India and Afghanistan and led field implementation of PPP and financial sector development including microfinance. She has got her education in Japan, the UK and the Philippines, and holds the MSc of Development Finance from the University of Manchester.

Co-Founder and CEO Dana Asia Ltd,
Australia

Duncan Power is a seasoned social enterprise and social business leader with over 30 years of experience in social finance and social enterprise innovation. He began his impact journey as CEO of Mercury Provident, a UK ethical bank (now Triodos), where he championed community-focused lending. Later, with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), he established a pioneering social investment fund—now Charity Bank—which proved the viability of lending to “unbankable” charities. Duncan then brought CAF to Australia and Southeast Asia , facilitating over AU$120 million in grants and transforming more than a million lives. In 2011, he founded Dana Asia to bring Professor Muhammad Yunus’ Social Business model to life across Asia Pacific. Through microenterprise development and access to finance, Dana Asia works to empower marginalised communities and build pathways out of poverty. Duncan remains a passionate advocate for inclusive growth, blending financial tools with social purpose to create sustainable, life-changing outcomes.

Sr. Director, Bankers Without Borders, Grameen Foundation
United States

 
Sabrina Quaraishi, Senior Director of Bankers without Borders, is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering, corporate employee engagement and CSR, building win-win partnerships between the public, private and the social enterprise sector. Bankers without Borders® (BwB) is Grameen Foundation’s volunteer initiative launched in 2008 to attract the talent from the private sector and academic institutions to help increase the scale, sustainability, and impact of social enterprises focused on the poor.

Under Sabrina’s leadership, Bankers without Borders cultivated a volunteer corps of more than 27,000 business professionals from 174 countries dedicated to eradicating world poverty and hunger through the pro bono movement. Sabrina was instrumental in forging collaborations with more than 20 Fortune 500 companies and universities including JPMorgan Chase, MasterCard, Google, Wells Fargo, Capco, Metlife, McKinsey to just name a few, where volunteers are regularly placed on pro bono assignments.

Sabrina is originally from Bangladesh. She has a M.A. in International Affairs (New School, 2007) and a B.S. in Management and Economics (Hood College, 2001).

Managing Director, Grameen Trust
Bangladesh

Tasmina Rahman, practitioner of microfinance and social business, has been serving as the Managing Director of Grameen Trust (GT) since January 1, 2023. With a career spanning over three decades, she has been actively involved with GT since 1994, contributing significantly to the implementation of 155 Grameen Replication Programs across 44 countries and supporting the development of around 45,000 new entrepreneurs through financial and technical assistance.  Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working closely with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus on various initiatives within GT.

Ms. Rahman has a wide range of experience in overseeing global replication programs based on the Grameen Bank Approach (GBA). Her expertise includes conducting feasibility studies and participating in international workshops and training programs on microcredit and social business. She also serves on the boards of several microfinance and social business organizations in Bangladesh, DR Congo, China, France, Italy, the USA, and Yemen.

Senior Director (Acting), Infectious Diseases Division Head, Virology Laboratory & Genome Centre, icddr,b, Dhaka
Bangladesh

I currently hold the position of Senior Scientist and serve as the Senior Director (Acting) and Head of the Virology Laboratory and Genome Centre at icddr,b. Over the past two decades, I have developed extensive expertise in virology, epidemiology, genomics, and vaccine and drug trials. As Principal Investigator and co-investigator on more than 100 infectious disease projects, I have collaborated with researchers from esteemed universities and research institutions worldwide, accumulating valuable experience and contributing to over 200 peer-reviewed publications. My laboratory colleagues and I have actively participated in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of my scientific achievements, I was honoured with the title "Best Resident Scientist 2015" by the Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists. I have been elected as a Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS) in the 2024 BAS Fellows Election. My current research interests lie in expanding the application of genomics for broader public health and cancer diagnostics through next-generation sequencing.

Chief Technology Officer of Grameen HealthTech Limited, Shamadhan Services Limited, CIO Grameen Telecom Trust,
Bangladesh

Mohammad Solaimun Rasel is a seasoned technology leader with over two decades of experience across academia, telecommunications, fintech, and digital health.

He began his career in 2002 as Faculty Member, later joining BATB, then moved into telecom with key IT roles at RANKSTEL, Warid Telecom, Airtel, and IBM. At Robi, where he served as acting CIO and led Axiata Group IT transformation efforts. Rasel’s fintech leadership is evident in his work integrating digital solutions into healthcare platforms.

As CTO at Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions, he forged partnerships with bKash, GP, Robi, Zaytoon, foodpanda, Midland and EBL to improve healthcare access for underserved populations, migrant workers. Currently CTO of Shamadhan, CIO at Grameen Telecom Trust, he continues driving tech innovation aligned with social business.

An alumnus of London Metropolitan University, Rasel holds a BSc in Computer Information Systems. His work exemplifies the use of technology to bridge digital and social gaps.

Founder, Ogrograhi
Bangladesh

Tanzeel Rashid is a young development professional, climate advocate, and youth activist who founded the organization Ogrograhi at just 14 years old. Through Ogrograhi, he has implemented over 50 social action projects in the fields of climate change, public health, and youth empowerment. He leads a dedicated team of over 100 young changemakers, empowering them to drive community-based initiatives and take ownership of local development efforts. Tanzeel’s leadership in grassroots activism has earned him numerous national and international recognitions, including being named a Top 10 Finalist for the Global Student Prize 2023, a UN Millennium Fellow (Class of 2022), a US Department of State Exchange Program alumnus, recipient of the Letters to Strangers Mental Health Changemaker Award 2024, and being recognized as an Ashoka Young Changemaker

Founder / CEO Dr. Sabet Consulting,
Germany

Hafez Sabet is a german business professional with an international academic background and a global outlook. He studied Business Administration at European Business School near Wiesbaden, with additional studies in London and Shanghai. Hafez wrote his final thesis on the debt problems of the global South and published it as a book in 1991 titled “The debt of the North - a 50 Billionen Dollar Coup“. 

The book gained global recognition by renowned personalities in science and politics. In 1992, Hafez attended as the youngest speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The founder of futurology Robert Jungk stated:”The solutions for a global structural reform go far beyond previous proposals. Implementing just a fraction of the proposals could significantly defuse the North-South problem.“ Shortly afterwards, the book was published in other languages, such as Russian. President Mikhail Gorbachew received Hafez with a delegation. With his commitment to innovation, inclusion and dialogue, Hafez continues to be a compelling voice in cross-border technology transfers on the basis of Social Business.

Seaweed Social Business Lead, Yunus Thailand
Thailand

Dewi is a sustainability advocate with expertise in creative product development and strategic business management. With seven years of experience in China supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in enhancing well-being and implementing sustainable practices, she now leads the Seaweed Social Business team in Satun Province, Thailand. 

Through Yunus’s “Three Zeros” framework, zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions, she drives the venture by promoting nature-based solutions seaweed cultivation, which protect biodiversity from climate change while fostering community resilience and poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship. Passionate about innovation, Dewi is dedicated to creating solutions that improve quality of life.

Director of Administration and Strategic Projects, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation Inc. 
Philippines

Raymond is the Director for Strategic Projects & Administration at Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), which is one of the first Grameen Bank Replications in the Philippines.  He has held various roles within the organization over the past 19 years- ranging from research and project management to operations support.  In his current role, he oversees Human Resources, I.T, and a variety of social business projects and advocate initiatives.  He also manages NWTF’s subsidiary, Dungganon Bank, which caters to MSME clients. 

Among the projects Raymond currently oversees is NWTF’s youth advocacy program which raises social awareness among junior and senior high school students in areas where the foundation operates in microfinance programs.  Through this program, they have successfully formed over 136 3 Zero Clubs and counting that compliments the microfinance and other programs of the organization.

Executive Director, Yunus Center, Asian Institute of Technology (YCA),Professor, Albukhary Centre of Excellence for Socioeconomic Development & Innovation (ACE-SEDI),President, Yunus Thailand (YT),
Thailand

Professor Faiz Shah heads the Yunus Center at the Asian Institute of Technology (YCA), and the Yunus Thailand Foundation. He has led the design and delivery of masters programs in Social Business, and ESG, at the Asian Institute of Technology and Albukhary International University, and continues to inspire the next generation of social innovators, and shape the future of social business education and impact entrepreneurship.

Professor Faiz Shah has led the Yunus Center at the Asian Institute of Technology (YCA) since 2012. He is a member of the AIT Management Team and has a faculty affiliation with the School of Management. Since 2023, as Professor at the Albukhary Centre of Excellence in Socio-Economic Development & Innovation (ACE-SEDI), he has headed the emerging interdisciplinary graduate program focused on Social Business. In a 40-year international career as an educator, entrepreneur, and development professional, Professor Shah has overseen over 300 projects and trained over 3,000 grassroots changemakers from more than a dozen countries. He is the lead author of “Responsible Business Guide - A Toolkit for Winning Companies” (CIPE-RBI-ACCA, 2010).

Professor Faiz Shah continues to lead the design and implementation of the Yunus Masters, the Professional Masters in ESG, and the Master’s in Social Business. He is at the helm of the Social Business Academia Network and serves as the President of the Yunus Thailand Foundation (YT). As Visiting Professor at the College of Innovation at Thammasat University and the Faculty of Management at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, he guides young women and men to formulate their own independent pathways to contribute to society.

Chairman, Centre for Self-help Development (CSD)
Nepal

Mr. Shrestha is a veteran of Nepal’s rural finance sector, with over 57 years of experience advocating for pro-poor, clean microfinance. A founder and former Executive Director of CSD, he also chaired the Centre for Rural Technology (CRT) Nepal and held leadership roles across numerous institutions. He was CEO of the Rural Microfinance Development Center (1999–2014), Nepal’s first wholesale lender, and served on the board of Nepal Banking Institute since its inception.

Earlier, he worked at Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. (1967–1992) in key roles including Deputy General Manager and Director of the Agricultural Credit Training Institute. In 2025, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology. He was also a member of the Evaluation Team for the AGFUND International Prize 2018.

Mr. Shrestha holds an MA in Economics from Tribhuvan University and studied at Texas A&M and Harvard Business School. He has consulted for ADB, IDRC, and JICA.

Director, Sales & Marketing, Grameen Danone Foods Limited
Bangladesh

Surayya Siddiqua is a purpose-driven business leader with deep expertise across global FMCG, social enterprises, and leading local food companies. As Director – Sales and Marketing at Grameen Danone, she leads value chain functions that include sales, marketing, and supply chain. she drives strategic growth by combining meaningful consumer insights, purpose-led innovation, and inclusive distribution. Her career spans impactful roles at Nestlé, BRAC, and Igloo, where she repositioned brands, revitalized commercial ecosystems, and championed gender equity across value chains.

She holds a Master’s in Food & Nutrition from the University of Dhaka, an MBA in Marketing from North South University, and a leadership credential in “Power & Influence for Positive Impact” from Harvard Business School Online.

Recognized as a “Bangladesh Woman Leader” by CMO Asia in 2018, Surayya is a passionate advocate for community well-being and youth mentorship. Her philosophy, “Marketing with Meaning,” guides her mission to build brands that uplift lives, enable communities, and create sustainable business impact.

CEO and Board Member, Grameen HealthTech Limited and Acting CEO,Shamadhan Services Ltd,
Bangladesh

Dr. Ahmed Armaan Siddiqui is the CEO and Board member of Grameen HealthTech Limited and the Acting CEO of Shamadhan Services Ltd. With over 22 years of experience, he also serves on the boards of Grameen HealthTech Ltd, Shamadhan Pay, Grameen Health Care Services Limited, and Shamajik Health Science Institute and Research Centre Limited. Previously, he served as EVP of Digital VAS and New Business at Robi Axiata and held leadership roles at Citycell, Grameenphone, and edotco Bangladesh Ltd.—later overseeing operations in six countries as Head of Product Development at edotco Group, Malaysia. His landmark contributions include launching Bangladesh’s first mobile internet service (Zoom), mobile financial service (Rocket, bKash, Nagad), mHealth (Milvik), and pioneering blockchain and OTT platforms. An award-winning innovator, he holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, along with executive credentials from Harvard, INSEAD, and IMD. He also runs the youth-led foundation MFJF and teaches at North South University.

Board Member, Grameen Pilipinas Microfinance Inc. & Dana Asia
Bangladesh

Prometheus Siddiqui is a prominent figure in the global social business movement, with over 14 years of leadership across Asia and Australia. He has worked closely with Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus in advancing social businesses and microfinance initiatives beyond Bangladesh.

Prometheus serves on the boards of Grameen Pilipinas Microfinance Inc. and Dana Asia, helping shape strategies in financial inclusion, education, and sustainable enterprise. As a former Board Member of Grameen Australia, he played a key role in launching the country’s first Grameen-style microfinance pilot.

Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at one of Bangladesh’s largest social business funds. Now based in Sydney, he is the Commercial Manager at Brockman Engineering (EVZ Group, ASX: EVZ), advising major infrastructure projects nationwide.

Prometheus has also lectured at Victoria University and other academic institutions. His work reflects a deep commitment to social business, microfinance, social innovation, responsible business, and poverty eradication through entrepreneurial solutions.

CEO of A Healthier Future GmbH,
Germany

Tobias Silberzahn is a trained biochemist and immunologist and has worked in the life sciences and healthcare space for more than 15 years at a global management consultancy. The focus areas of his work have been healthcare innovation and the digital transformation of healthcare.

Currently, Tobias works as an independent advisor on healthcare innovation topics. In addition, Tobias is a Senior Fellow for BSt Gesundheit, which is part of the Bertelsmann Foundation - his work there focuses on trusted health information on the internet and social media. Furthermore, he is a Patient Ambassador for FH Europe Foundation and a member of the International Lipoprotein(a) Task Force, focusing on improving health and well-being for people affected by inherited lipid disorders. Tobias holds a PhD in immunology from King's College London and a diploma in biochemistry from Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen (Germany).

SDA Bocconi (Milan), Yunus Business Center Director,
Italy

Simona is a professor of Social Innovation at the University of Tor Vergata, as well as Marketing at LUMSA University in Rome and Palermo.

With over 25 years of experience, she has worked for 16 years in the Global Marketing Teams of Coca-Cola, Unilever, Barilla, and Sony. 

In 2014, she decided to shift towards the realms of impact and social innovation, founding NEVER GIVE UP, a non-profit organization that has transformed the narrative around eating disorders, the leading cause of death by disease among 12 to 25-year-olds in Italy.

She is the author of the book 'Social Impact in your hands®', which features a preface by Muhammad Yunus. She is a TEDx Speaker (2 times), TEDx Curator, and TEDx Licensee.

Chair of the Board, Praava Health
Bangladesh

Sylvana Quader Sinha is Chair of the Board at Praava Health, which she founded in 2014 and led as CEO for nearly 11 years. Praava is Bangladesh’s first and only one-stop shop click-and-brick outpatient healthcare system, established with the mission of democratizing high-quality medical treatment in emerging markets. Sinha is a widely recognized authority on identifying and building resilient market-opening businesses in economies and sectors where potential has yet to be unlocked. Prior to founding Praava, her work bridged the most advanced capital markets with the least developed frontier economies. Sinha is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the WEF’s UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency and serves on the board of PATH.org. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, Columbia Law School and Harvard’s Kennedy School. She is also a member of Wellesley's Business Leadership Council and a mentor at Columbia Business School’s Eugene Lang Center Entrepreneurship Centre and an expert mentor at Harvard Innovation Labs.

Trustee, Albukhary Foundation
Malaysia

Sharifah Sofia is an Economist with an MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University. During her graduate study at the LSE, Sharifah Sofia was an external consultant to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, examining methodologies to empower rural women in Ethiopia's agricultural sector. During her graduate study at SIPA, Sharifah Sofia led a research paper on prudential regulation and sustainable investment for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA). Sharifah Sofia serves as a Trustee of the Albukhary Foundation and is responsible for driving its educational initiatives. She was a member of Albukhary International University’s Board of Governors and chaired its scholarship committee from 2018 to 2022. She has close to 8 years of work experience in the private sector, in the field of corporate finance, strategy, and private equity—both in Malaysia and Singapore. Sharifah Sofia belonged to the inaugural cohort of Southeast Asia Next-Gen Leaders at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.

Executive Vice Chairman, Grameen Communications
Bangladesh

Ms. Nazneen Sultana has been serving as Executive Vice Chairman of Grameen Communications.  She served as Managing Director of Grameen Communications since its inception in 1997. At Grameen Communications, she led various projects for reaching ICT to the remote villages, development of world’s first & complete micro banking software which is being used by most of the micro finance organizations including Grameen Bank.

She was also actively involved in formation of some social business companies, Grameen Euglena is one of them.

Now, She is also serving as a country manager of Euglena corporation Japan, liaison office of Bangladesh.

Having completed BS and MS in Applied Mathematics from University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, she started her career at Grameen Bank and established the ICT wing of the Bank. Meanwhile, she achieved a diploma in Management Information Systems from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Having experience in the IT field for more than 30 years, she has been serving as Director of different IT companies including Accenture Bangladesh. Moreover, she serves as an executive member of NGOs that deal with gender issues, affordable healthcare for the poor, women empowerment and ICT for development.

Co-founder, Onnosheba
Bangladesh

Abida Sultana is the co-founder of Onnosheba, a diner and catering company in Chittagong, Bangladesh, that provides nutritious, affordable meals to low-income workers. A passionate advocate for social business, she is also a director at the Chittagong Social Business Center, where she supports aspiring entrepreneurs through project evaluation and implementation.

Abida holds a postgraduate degree in Marine Sciences and initially worked in her family’s aquaculture business. She also spent seven years as a science teacher and coordinator in primary and high schools.

In 2014, she launched Onnosheba as a pilot project to offer healthy packaged meals to students and workers, addressing the harmful effects of unhealthy street food. By December 2015, Onnosheba opened its first outlet, aligned with Dr. Yunus’ social business principles. Starting with only BDT 50,000, the business reached a turnover of nearly BDT 9.7 million in 2021. Onnosheba now plans to expand with a kitchen serving up to 25,000 meals daily.

Chief Marketing Officer, Grameen HealthTech Limited
Bangladesh

Hasibul Hasan Tanim is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience across telecom, OTT, and healthtech. He has held leadership roles at Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi-Airtel, CityCell, and Bongo, and now serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Grameen HealthTech Limited (Shukhee), driving inclusive digital healthcare innovation.

Hasib has led strategic marketing and digital transformation initiatives impacting over hundred million users and generating over billion in revenue at telco. He played a key role in launching Bangladesh’s first ultra-low-cost handsets, microinsurance, GP Go Beyond, 5 crore network, and 3G/4G rollouts. He also helped mainstream platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Uber, and Tonic. An ICT Award winner for his role in shaping the OTT industry, he now leads Shukhee—the country’s #1 health app. 

Hasib is globally certified, completed executive education at Telenor Brand Academy, and holds an MBA from North South University. A frequent speaker and moderator, he has appeared in 20+ media events discussing digital innovation, social impact, and healthtech.

Youth Activist, Advocate for Equality
Bangladesh

Aysha Siddiqua is a dynamic student leader and youth activist from Bangladesh, recognized internationally for her role in the 2024 anti-discrimination student movement opposing fascist governance.Aysha has championed the fight against discrimination, working tirelessly with various platforms to promote equality and climate justice, while also standing firm against human rights violations. Her ‘She Leads’ a platform to help people to fight for human rights and I'll inspire for social sustainability. Currently a third-year Computer Science student at BRAC University, Aysha represented youth and their rights at the UN General Assembly (UNGA79) with the honourable Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus, inspiring change through her passion and commitment.

Sustainable Tourism Educator; Committee Member, “Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change” for conserving environment and ecosystems in Bangladesh,
Bangladesh

Syed Shafat Uddin Ahmed Tomal is an environment and sustainable tourism expert known for championing eco-tourism, forest conservation, and sustainable travel. With a background in marketing, he has emerged as a key voice in responsible tourism on national and international platforms.

He is the only private stakeholder appointed by the Ministry of Environment to make a guideline for developing tourism by conserving the environment and ecosystem in tourist areas. Twice elected to the Board of Directors of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB)—once as its youngest ever—Tomal actively promotes the Sundarbans as a premier eco-tourism destination.

Tomal has represented Bangladesh at global platforms like ITB India and Vietnam’s Eco & Sustainable Tourism Conference and participated in workshops by PATA and the Bangladesh Tourism Board. He has also served as an Adjunct faculty at American International University of Bangladesh teaching young leaders about sustainable tourism and hospitality.

His achievements have earned him honors such as the Sher-E-Bangla Golden Award and recognition by the Asia Tourism & Hospitality Awards in Malaysia, underscoring his leadership in sustainable tourism.

Vice Chairperson, CARD Bank Inc.
Philippines

Dr. Dolores M. Torres has more than 39 years of experience in microfinance and social development programs. She served as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of CARD Bank, Inc., a member of CARD-MRI. 

At present, Dr. Torres is serving as the Vice Chairperson and Senior Management Adviser of the CARD Bank. She is also appointed as the Senior Dean of the Department of Business and Management of the CARD MRI Development Institute Inc. 

Dr. Torres holds an Executive MBA from Asian Institute of Management and completed the  Key Executive Management Course from Harvard Business School, USA. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy from Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute. She is also a certified ITIL passer with Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management as well as ITIL Intermediate Certificate in Service Strategy.

Dr. Torres is appointed as Faculty-In-Charge by the Development Academy of the Philippines and granted as On-Call Mentor of the Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute (SAIDI) for microfinance and development courses.

Olympian, African Champion, Former Professional Basketball Player and Entrepreneur,
Mali

Kady Kanoute Tounkara OLY is a Malian and French Olympian, African Champion, and former professional basketball player. She co-captained the first Malian women's basketball team to qualify for the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. A five-time French national champion, she also holds a Marketing and Management degree from Fordham University. Beyond her playing career, Tounkara is a significant figure in sports administration, serving as the Chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Education Committee, a lead trainer for the IOC Athlete Career+ Program, and a member of the IOC Athletes' Entourage Commission. She also contributes as an IOC Safeguarding Regional Hub Working Group member and is involved in the IOC's engagement with Esports. An entrepreneur looking to empower Africa sustainably and ethically, she also has two years of experience as Director of Brand Communication for a solar energy company and is a consultant for the Yunus Sports Hub, supporting athletes to become entrepreneurs.

Founder, Zohra Handicraft (Nobin Udyokta)
Bangladesh

Ms. Fatama Tuz Johora is a young entrepreneur and founder of Johora Handicraft, a rural area-based artisan business in Kushtia, Bangladesh, that empowers underprivileged women through traditional crafts. Inspired by her mother, a skilled artisan, Fatama began crafting Nakshi Kantha and embroidered garments at the age of 18. As demand grew, she secured BDT 300,000 in funding from Grameen Trust’s New Entrepreneurship Program in February 2024. With this support, she renovated her workshop in Pachrasta, expanded production, and now employs 5 full-time and 35 part-time women artisans, most of whom were previously unemployed. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Management at Kushtia Government College, she continues to balance her studies with her growing business. Fatama actively leverages social media and entrepreneurial skills to scale her brand and foster sustainable livelihoods for women in her community. Her journey reflects the spirit of youth-driven innovation and the power of inclusive finance to transform lives.

Executive Director of Yunus Social Business,
Brazil

Francisco Vicente has over 20 years of professional experience,working in the social business economy for over a decade. He is currently the Executive Director of Yunus Social Business Latin America.

A business administrator with an MBA from Hult International Business School, he is responsible for managing investments in Brazil and Colombia. In total, he has invested in around 50 social businesses on the continent, which have impacted over 10 million lives at the base of the social pyramid.

Recently, together with local partners, he developed the Zunne Program, which focuses on investments in the North and Northeast regions, the poorest in Brazil. The program focuses on providing low-interest loans to early-stage social businesses led by women and/or black or indigenous people.

In addition, with this project, YSB made its first investments in the Amazon Rainforest, in businesses that generate social and environmental impact, keeping the forest standing and generating income for local communities

Executive Director, Católica-Lisbon Yunus Social Innovation Center, Adjunct Professor of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics,
Portugal

Frederico Fezas-Vital is a tireless leader, a catalyst for positive change, and a builder of systemic bridges in multi-stakeholder environments, immersed in the social innovation and impact ecosystem for nearly two decades. He leads the CATÓLICA-LISBON Yunus Social Innovation Center – a Center of Excellence that generates knowledge and promotes initiatives and projects in social innovation – and also serves as the Executive Director of the Pact for Mental Health in the Workplace, a coalition of organizations committed to developing and improving their policies on mental health and employee well-being.

He is an advisor, consultant, professor, trainer, and mentor in the fields of entrepreneurship, social innovation, and creative sustainability communication.

Founder and CEO, Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan
Taiwan

Juno Wang is a visionary leader with an impressive track record. Currently the CEO of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, Juno also serves as President of Unistaate Intl. Trading Enterprises Inc. With extensive experience in enterprise management, Juno is Chairperson of Master Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd., and Vice Chairperson of the Chinese Association for Corporate Transformation, Innovation and Advancement. They have been honored with prestigious awards, including the 11th Golden Summit Award of Outstanding Manager and the 11th Asia-Pacific International Honesty Enterprise - Keris Award. Juno’s relentless dedication
drives positive change in both business and social realms 

Secretary-General, Youthink Center
China

Managing Director of Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals, which was chaired by Nobel Peace Laureate and UN SDG Advocate Emeritus Professor Muhammad Yunus. And led the organizing committee of United Nations General Assembly High-Level Event on Social Business, Youth, and Technology.  Alex was Founder and Chair of Youthink Center in China, one of the leading Chinese youth think and do tank focusing on global challenges and opportunities.  Under his leadership,  Youthink Center has won Youth4Asia Award by Asian Development Bank in 2015, UN People’s Voices Award for Best Social Media Campaign by United Nations SDG Action Campaign, and Haifan Award by the People’s Daily.

Alex is the first Chinese to be nominated as Board of Director in United Nations Major Group on Children and Youth (Term 2020-2022) .He has been awarded with numbers of leadership awards and scholarship programs including Australia-China Young Leaders Dialogue, British-China Young Leaders Dialogue, Harvard HKS Philanthropy Leaders Program. World Business Dialogue Youth Fellow, and Club of Rome Change Course Young leaders.

Head of Market Development in Asia, GSG Impact
Thailand

Fai Wechayachai is the Head of Market Development in Asia at GSG Impact, a role she has held since 2022. Prior to joining GSG, she led the East and Southeast Asia chapter of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), playing a pivotal role in developing Myanmar’s and Bangkok’s entrepreneurial ecosystem snapshots and initiating the Southeast Asia Climate Entrepreneurship snapshot. With a strong foundation in both the private and public sectors, Fai has held leadership roles in international development, education, and business development, including Deputy Managing Director of the Canadian International School of Thailand and part of the pre-opening team at KidZania Bangkok. Her global experience spans three continents, including work with Caritas Sweden and UNICEF Canada. Fai holds a Master’s degree in Comparative International Development Education from the University of Toronto and is recognized for her commitment to building inclusive, impact-driven ecosystems across Asia.

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Grameenphone Ltd.
Bangladesh

Farha Naz Zaman is a result-driven Sales and Marketing leader with passion for customer centricity and transformative execution. With over 19 years of experience in Telecommunications and FMCG, her focus remains steadfast on operational excellence, innovative growth, and strength-based people development.

She currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of Grameenphone, overseeing Sales & Distribution, Brands & Market Communications, and Customer Service. Throughout her career at Grameenphone, she has held several critical roles, including Head of Marketing, Head of Premium Segment, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Trade Marketing. She also worked at Unilever Bangladesh Ltd. as Head of Media & Digital.

Farha holds a BBA and MBA from the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, and has completed the Telenor Accelerate Leader Program (London Business School) and the Telenor Strategy Execution Program (INSEAD). Her leadership has earned her accolades like Asia's Top Outstanding Woman Marketeer 2023 and JCI Women of Inspiration Award 2023.