Chairman, Yunus Centre
Bangladesh

2006 Nobel Peace Laureate, Founder of Grameen Bank
 
Professor Muhammad Yunus is a global visionary from Bangladesh who pioneered the concepts of microcredit and social business, transforming the lives of millions living in poverty. In 2006, he and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He has founded more than 50 social business companies, and Fortune Magazine named him "one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time" in 2012.

Professor Yunus received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2013, making him one of only seven individuals in history to hold all three distinctions. He has also received the Olympic Laurel Award at the Tokyo 2020 Games and the Vatican's Lamp of Peace of St. Francis in 2019. He holds 66 honorary degrees from universities across 26 countries and has received 145 awards from 33 countries, including state honours from 10 nations.

He devotes his energy to inspiring a world of Three Zeros: zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. To this end, he has built a global network of Yunus Social Business Centres across 108 universities in 39 countries, and over 530 Three Zero Clubs in 46 countries, engaging young people in finding creative solutions to the world's most pressing problems.

In August 2024, Professor Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh's interim government, driving institutional reform and restoring the democratic rights of its citizens. Upon the conclusion of his tenure in February 2026, he stepped down and returned to his life's work for the people

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

Ismail Serageldin, 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 received many awards including: First recipient of Grameen Foundation (USA) Award for a lifetime commitment to combating poverty, (1999); the presidential medals from the republics of Azerbaijan (2015), Montenegro (2016); Albania (2017) and Macedonia (2019) and etc.

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.

Executive Director, Policy Hub, Qatar Foundation
Qatar

Houriya Ahmed is the Executive Director of the Policy Hub at Qatar Foundation, bringing over 18 years of global experience in public policy, strategic advisory, and international engagement. She established the Policy Hub for Qatar Foundation and was instrumental in creating one of its core sustainability programs, the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future. Operating at the intersection of strategy, diplomacy, and policy delivery, she oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives across education, health, family, environment, and sustainability.

Her analysis, commentary, and advisory insights have appeared in major global outlets, including Foreign Policy, The Times of London, The Telegraph, The Independent, and The New Republic. She has provided expert commentary on Al Jazeera, the BBC, Sky News, and other international broadcasters; offered policy guidance to governments on key policy issues; and addressed parliamentary bodies including the British, European, and Italian parliaments.

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

Co-Founder & VP Support Services, Rizq,
Pakistan

Managing Director, Grameen Healthcare Services Ltd & Samajik Health Science Institute and Research Center 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 Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in 2000, with a Major in Finance. He also completed B.Sc. in Engineering degree in 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 top level reputed 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 performing the responsibility of Managing Director at Samajik Health Science Institute and Research Center.

Shamsul Haque Ahmed is a business professional, member of different associations; he attended several professional training and workshop programs both locally and internationally.

Director of NSU Social Business Center (NSBC) North South University, Dept of Marketing and Intl Business (DMIB), NSU
Bangladesh

Professor Dr Rafiuddin Ahmed is fueled with gallons of spirit for social business and entrepreneurship, Kidspreneurship, disruption and innovation, digital transformation, e-learning and research on e-commerce, Artificial intelligence and automation, consumer electronics and technology acceptance at home and abroad.

He pursued an MBA from University of Dhaka and Masters in MIB from the University of Melbourne and PhD from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia on futuristic Intra/Entrepreneurship (kidspreneurship). He has very strong footprint to teach globally and publish in top notch high ranked international journals. Besides being an academic cum researcher, he is working as a business strategist/trainer, pracademic, edupreneur, healthcare entrepreneur.

As a pracademic (practicing academic), he bagged 21 years of teaching experience in Bangladesh, Australia (In person) and Poland, Taiwan (Remote teaching).

He is a professor of the Department of Marketing, DU (On lien now) and serving as a Professor of Marketing and International Business (DMIB) at North South University. He is also serving as the founding Director of North South University Social Business Center (NSBC) from where he is contributing to create impacts to the community.

Associate Professor, Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University;Founder & CTO: SocialTech Japan,
Japan

Dr. Ashir Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Advanced Information Technology at Kyushu University, Japan, where he leads the Social Technology (SocialTech) Laboratory. His research focuses on digital health, health informatics, artificial intelligence, and frugal innovation for underserved populations. He is best known as the inventor of the Portable Health Clinic (PHC), an internationally recognized digital healthcare platform delivering preventive and primary healthcare services to remote communities.

Dr. Ahmed has led interdisciplinary projects spanning healthcare, AI, road safety, and social business innovation across Asia and Africa. His work has contributed to large-scale health datasets, AI-powered disease risk assessment systems, electronic health records, and community-based healthcare models supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Senior Member of IEEE, he also organizes the annual SocialTech Summit in Japan. Beyond academia, he is the author of the popular Japan Kahini series and enjoys cooking and spending time with cats.

Principal, Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing
Bangladesh

Dr. Ms. Shahinoor Begum (RNM, BA, BSc in PHN, MPH, DU; MPhil & PhD, RU), Principal of Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing, is an eminent nursing and midwifery professional. She is currently leading initiatives in academic excellence, institutional development, quality assurance, and national and international collaboration.

Previously, she held several prestigious positions, including Director (Education & Discipline) at the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery, Principal, Assistant
Director, Clinician, Researcher, and Public Health Expert. With over 37 years of experience in leadership and managerial roles, she has contributed significantly to
strengthening the health system and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a highly academician, Dr. Begum has served as an expert consultant for WHO-SEAR and has extensive experience working on international projects with GIZ and other development partners, including WHO, JICA, KOICA, and UNFPA. She has gained extensive international exposure through professional training and participation in conferences in Japan, the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession, Dr. Begum was honored with the prestigious Gold Medal and Certificate as a Good Nurse by
the Honorable Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in 2014.

Ex-Board Member, Tagail, Grameen Bank
Bangladesh

Board Member - Jobra, Grameen Bank
Bangladesh

Chamak Solutions, COO
Bangladesh

I am the Co-Founder and COO of Chamak Solutions, a fintech company building AI-powered working capital infrastructure for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). My work focuses on improving access to credit by leveraging real financial data, transaction behavior, and technology-driven underwriting to make financing faster, more accessible, and more inclusive.

I did my undergrad from BUET and Masters from Cornell University in the USA. With a background in design, entrepreneurship, and operations, I approach financial innovation through systems thinking—viewing finance not merely as a product, but as critical infrastructure for business growth. At Chamak, I work closely with customers, partners, and financial institutions to develop supply chain financing and trade finance solutions that help businesses unlock working capital when they need it most. Beyond building fintech solutions, I am passionate about entrepreneurship education and mentoring early-stage founders. My areas of interest include financial inclusion, AI-driven credit systems, supply chain finance, trade finance, and cross-border fintech infrastructure that can create meaningful economic impact at scale.

Managing Director, Grameen Kalyan
Bangladesh

A K M Moinuddin Chowdhury is the Managing Director of Grameen Kalyan since 2019,Bangladesh's largest non-government primary healthcare provider, founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. He holds an MBA from Bayes Business School, City University London, and brings over 36 years of professional experience, including 16 years in the Bangladesh Army. Post-MBA, he worked as a Principal Consultant at Frost & Sullivan, London. He later managed large-scale international development programs funded by DFID (UK Aid) and DFAT (Australian Aid) in Bangladesh, overseeing strategic management, finance, and government relations. He administered DFID-Bangladesh's award-winning Chars Livelihoods Program (CLP, £82.7M) and served as Director of Finance for Maxwell Stamp Plc (UK), collaborating closely with Bangladesh's Ministry of Finance on public financial management. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Grameenphone Ltd. and holds additional directorships in Grameen Health Care Services, Grameen Knitwear, Grameen Trust, Grameen Capital Management, Grameen Distribution Ltd. and Samajik Health Science Institute & Research Centre (SHIRC), contributing to sustainable development, healthcare access, and social business initiatives in Bangladesh.

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

Alex Counts is a nonprofit leader, educator, consultant, and author. He established Grameen Foundation in 1997 with the assistance of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus after living in Bangladesh for six years, and he built it into a global organization over 18 years as its founding CEO. He is the author of Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind: Leadership Lessons from Three Decades of Social Entrepreneurship, a semi-autobiographical work focused on lessons in nonprofit leadership and self-care, Small Loans, Big Dreams (now available in Bangladesh in English and Bengali by University Press Limited) about Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and the U.S., and 2 other books. He has been published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review and the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and is an active blogger. He is on the board of the Alliance between Grameen Foundation and Navaka Social Business (formerly Yunus Social Business India).

Journalist, human rights advocate, and foreign affairs advisor,
Italy

Vincenzo (Enzo) Cursio is a journalist, human rights advocate, and foreign affairs advisor with more than three decades of experience in international relations, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with President Mikhail Gorbachev, Nobel Peace Laureates, world leaders, and leading international organizations to advance dialogue, human dignity, and international cooperation. He is particularly recognized for his expertise on the nexus between peace, food security, and human development, developed through more than a decade of collaboration with major international institutions and global initiatives. He currently serves as Board Member of St. Peter for Humanity and Ambassador of the Fratelli Tutti Foundation, one of the leading Catholic foundations in the United States. In 2018, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

CEO, Youth Trust Foundation
Malaysia

Nurfarini is the CEO of myHarapan, a foundation fueling youth empowerment and positive social change since 2010. Leveraging 24 years of experience in startup development, including training and mentoring SMEs and graduates, she honed her skills by contributing across sectors in government agencies like the Multimedia Development Corporation and in technology companies.

This Warwick University alumna boasts an INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program certificate and teaching credentials. She was also a DIVA-Ashoka cohort in 2022. Her dedication earned her the 2015 Social Innovation Leadership award and nominations for prestigious recognitions like Malaysian Great Women of Our Time. In 2017, her work was further celebrated, later receiving a Social Enterprise Research Academy Fellowship, the Wiki Impact Top 100 honour in 2022 and is a Top50 Women Leader honouree by Affin Invikta in 2025.
She loves play and fun and hopes to help us channel our inner child throughout our lives.

Chief Operating Officer, YY Ventures
Bangladesh

Osman Dhali is the Chief Operating Officer at YY Ventures, where he focuses on translating vision into execution by building the systems, strategies, and teams that drive sustainable growth and impact. With extensive experience in operations leadership, strategic growth, and scaling organizations, he works closely with entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders to foster innovation and collaboration. Passionate about creating environments where ventures can thrive while contributing positively to society, he operates at the intersection of strategy, execution, and purpose. As a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development, he is committed to supporting initiatives that generate meaningful social and economic change through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Vice Chairman, Center for Science Tech Policy and Diplomacy (CSTPD), Associate Professor & Director, Department of Business Administration Southeast Business School
Bangladesh

Associate Professor & Director, Department of Business Administration
Southeast Business School;Vice Chairman, Center for Science Tech Policy and Diplomacy (CSTPD);Ex-Member of the Board of Directors
Grameen Bank, Bangladesh

Dr. Farhana Ferdousi is an Associate Professor and Director of the Department of Business Administration at Southeast Business School, Southeast University, Bangladesh. She is Vice-Chairman of Center for Science Technology Policy and Diplomacy, Board Director SR Asia Foundation, General Body Member MIDAS, and former Board Director of Grameen Bank. She holds degrees in Management and Human Resource Management from University of Dhaka and a PhD in Economics from Wuhan University, China. Her research interests include women empowerment, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, microenterprise, social entrepreneurship, and human resource management. She has a research portfolio with numerous book chapters and publications in reputed international journals. Her work focuses on social business, women empowerment, and inclusive sustainable development. She has presented at conferences across Europe, Asia, and Africa including France, Germany, Japan, China, India, Kenya, and Colombia. She organizes social business competitions, advises NGOs on SDG implementation, and serves as panel speaker. Previously she was Director of IRT at Southeast University and research partner at Nanyang University Singapore.

Italy

Senior Yunus Fellow, Founder of Nabin Entrepreneurship Foundation
India

Biswajit Ghosh is a Senior Yunus Fellow (with Yunus Centre) and Founder of Nabin Social Ventures (NSV), which is inspired by the Nabin Udyokta philosophy of Prof Yunus. After over 2 & ½ decades of senior leadership roles with HSBC Bank Group globally, he took the decision to join the Social Development sector during the pandemic phase.

During the pandemic, he worked as the CEO of Rotary India Literacy Mission (RILM)& Rotary India Humanity Foundation (RIHF), and led several national campaigns for Rotary Clubs across India.

As Yunus Fellow, he recently undertook the pilot implementation, of a Social Business Internship program, aimed for college students, and thereby created a scalable global model to propagate Social Business from college level.

Currently he is the CEO of NCDC, an organisation associated with Apollo Hospitals working in the field of Functionality-development for Special Children. He is also working closely with Grameen HealthTech (Shukhee), NSV is their Indian Representative for Medical Tourism, is associated with the Top Hospital Chains in this initiative.

Director, utch Postcode Lottery Foundation (DOEN Foundation)
Netherlands

With a background in natural resources management and sociology, Carol has been working throughout her career at the people-planet interface. She has over 25 years of working experience in the global South, covering topics such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, biodiversity and climate change in combination with gender and social justice. Between 1995 and 2004, Carol has lived in Mali, Cameroon and Nepal. Her work experience covers mainly civil society organisations (from international to grassroots), while actively developing and managing collaborations with governments, research institutes, private sector and financial institutions. She has been a member of the supervisory board of the Triodos Sustainable Trade Fund, actively involved in the Hivos Triodos Fund, and was instrumental in the development of the Hivos Food & Lifestyle Fund, which invests in local SMEs in Southern Africa that enhance local sustainable food systems. 

Since January 2021 she is co-director of the DOEN Foundation. DOEN believes that a regenerative economy and a more inclusive, connected and just society is possible and that engaged, entrepreneurial people are a major force for societal change. The DOEN Foundation, together with its subsidiary DOEN Participaties BV, supports them through a range of non-financial and financial instruments - such as subsidies, loans and equity – that allow them to grow, become stronger and more visible.

Director of Communications and Marketing, Nobel Peace Center
Norway

Kim Reksten Grønneberg is Director of Communications and Marketing at the Nobel Peace Center, the museum of the Nobel Peace Prize. Here, he leads global storytelling and strategic communications to elevate peacebuilding narratives. Their mission is to use the power of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates’ ideas, work and causes, to engage and inspire small and large actions which make the world a more peaceful place. 

With extensive experience from cultural institutions and the communication industry, Kim combines creative campaigns with outreach to engage diverse international audiences and stakeholders. He is passionate about amplifying voices for social justice, fostering collaborative platforms, and translating complex ideas into compelling public programs. 

General Secretary, Foundation Grameen Crédit Agricole
France

From 1986 to 2004, Philippe Guichandut worked for various French development NGOs, spending six years in Rwanda, India, and the Philippines. He was responsible for implementing and monitoring development and microfinance projects.

He became the first Executive Director of the European Microfinance Network upon its creation in 2004, before joining the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation in November 2010 as Director of Investments and Technical Assistance. In 2024, he was appointed General Secretary.
He has been teaching development project management and microfinance for over 25 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.

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 within the payment eco system and in the space of Microfinance. In this journey he worked for Brac Bank, UCB PLC, Bank Asia and Sajida Foundation.

He is currently working as Managing Director Grameen Bank Since April 2025.

Lecturer, Bangkok University (BU);Innovation Fellow, Yunus Center AIT (YCA),
Thailand

Jeff Hamilton is a Lecturer at Bangkok University and an Innovation Fellow at the Yunus Center at AIT, where he focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. Having lived and worked in Thailand for more than 14 years, he has helped develop social business initiatives across healthcare, education, enterprise development, and aging societies, with a particular interest in turning ideas into practical solutions that improve people’s lives.

Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)
Bangladesh

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun serves as Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and also leads the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), and the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA).

Holding the rank of State Minister, he is the first private-sector leader appointed to head these core investment institutions under the Prime Minister's Office.

Previously, Mr. Chowdhury was an investment banker at HSBC Singapore, specializing in infrastructure and sustainable finance. His expertise spans across advisory, investment strategy, M&A and strategic planning. He began his banking career at Standard Chartered and headed finance at American Airlines, covering Europe and Asia. He has also advised the Grameen Telecom Trust.

Mr. Chowdhury has an MSc in Finance from the London Business School, where he was awarded an Alumni Scholarship. He got his BBA in Finance and Economics from the Institute of Business Administration at Dhaka University. He has advised the Brunel Business School in London and taught business at Dhaka’s Bangladesh University of Professionals as a visiting professor. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

He is a certified skydiver and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest freefall with a flag. He is also a private pilot licensed in the UK.

Mayor, Sakai Town,Ibaraki
Japan

Born in 1975 in Sakai-machi, Ibaraki Prefecture.Graduated from the Department of Architectural Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology.Graduated from the Graduate School of Public Policy, Meiji University. In 1999, he worked at the Sakai Town Hall.In 2003, he was elected for the first time in the Sakai Town Council election and served for four terms.In 2011, he became the youngest person in Japan to become chairman.He was elected mayor of Sakai Town for the first time in 2014 and is currently in his third term.After taking office, he won the first place in Ibaraki Prefecture for hometown tax payment for 9 consecutive years, the first place in Kanto for 7 consecutive years since 2017, and the 11th place in Japan in 2023.He has worked on many initiatives that were ahead of the rest of the country, such as the development of Kengo Kuma's building facilities, which is the largest number of towns and villages in Japan, and the start of regular operation of self-driving buses on public roads, and measures have been featured on TV and other means.He is a visiting professor at Marikina City University in the Republic of the Philippines and a specially appointed researcher at the Institute of Social Design, Rikkyo University.Member of the Digital Agency's "Study Group on the Ideal of Digital Public Transportation".Member of the Cabinet Office's "Regional Revitalization SDGs Financial Research and Study Group".

Member, 3ZERO Club
Bangladesh

Mahmudul Hassan is a youth leader, social entrepreneur, and active member of the 3ZERO Club movement, committed to creating practical solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. He is the founder of Swaccha and the Elite Youth Foundation, an internationally recognized youth-led organization through which he has mobilized more than 4,000 young people and inspired over 50,000 civic behavioural changes across Bangladesh. An Ashoka Changemaker and recipient of the Glocal Teen Hero Bangladesh 2025 award, Mahmudul is passionate about empowering young people to drive meaningful change through innovation, community action, and purpose-driven leadership. His work has been featured in leading media outlets including The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and Channel 24, and he regularly speaks on topics such as empathetic leadership, social impact, and youth engagement. Driven by the belief that lasting change begins with action, collaboration, and a shared commitment to solving real-world problems, Mahmudul continues to build initiatives that create both social value and sustainable impact.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Apex Health
United Kingdom

Joseph Hazel is a distinguished leader in the healthcare industry with over 30 years of C-suite experience across Africa, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. In February 2023, he joined Apex Health to spearhead the development of an integrated, collaborative private healthcare group portfolio, focusing on the MENA region.

Under his leadership, Apex Health has transformed from establishing a leading private 250-bed hospital in Qatar in 2023 to now operating 8 hospitals across 4 countries, encompassing over 2800+ beds.

Joseph's strategic acumen is driving unparalleled growth and innovation and most recently appointed as a member of the Advisory Board for the Arab Hospitals Federations. And was selected as one of the Top Healthcare Leaders by Forbes Middle East.

Prior to his role at Apex Health, Joseph spent 7 at Mediclinic Middle East as the Chief Operating Officer for Abu Dhabi, where he played a crucial role in elevating healthcare standards and operational excellence.

Joseph holds an MSc in Healthcare Economics, Policy, and Management from the London School of Economics, an MBA, and a Diploma in Management from the Open University. He has further honed his expertise with certificates in Managing Healthcare Delivery and Strategy Execution from Harvard Business School, as well as completing director training at the Institute of Directors and leadership training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Executive Vice Chairman, Micro Credit Regulatory Authority
Bangladesh

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Albukhary International University
Malaysia

Professor Dr. Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at Albukhary International University (AIU), Malaysia. He is an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in higher education management, academic governance, quality assurance, hospitality and tourism education, and strategic institutional development. In his role, he oversees academic affairs, student development, internationalisation, and innovative educational initiatives aligned with AIU’s mission of advancing humanity through social business and sustainable development. He actively champions inclusive education, digital transformation, and holistic student development grounded in AIU’s 5A Core Values: Adab, Akhlaq, Akidah, Amanah, and Amalan. In 2026, he was appointed as Alternate Chair and Accreditation Committee Member (Arts) of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). He was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Global Hospitality and Tourism Gurus at the Global Hospitality and Tourism Forum (GHTF) 2025 and the International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism (ICOHT) 2025, recognising his long-standing contributions and global leadership in hospitality and tourism education.

Chairperson, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF)
Philippines

Ms. Corazon A. Henares is one of the three C’s of Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation. Before she joined Dr. Cecilia del Castillo and Suzzette “Ching” Gaston at NWTF in the mid-1980s, she was a Professor of Psychology at the La Consolacion College and the University of St. La Salle and was Dean of Liberal Arts of Riverside College —all in Bacolod City.

Joining NWTF full-time as the Deputy Director of Operations and together with Dr.  Cecilia del Castillo as the Executive Director and Suzzette Gaston as Deputy Director for Administration and Finance, they led the NWTF team in successfully implementing one of the first Grameen replications in the Philippines starting with four branches in Negros Occidental in 1989.

Ms. Henares spearheaded the research activities of NWTF while supervising field operations for the next 30 years. In 2016, she became the President of Dungganon Bank (a Microfinance Rural Bank), a fully-owned subsidiary of NWTF that was organized in 2005 to ensure that Microfinance clients who expand their business ventures from micro to small and medium enterprises are assured of continued access for financial assistance as they continue to grow their businesses, until they can confidently join the mainstream business community. She was elected to the NWTF Board of Trustees on March 28, 2025 for a 3-year term.

Social Business Implementer,
Japan

Born on February 21, 1960

Has over 30 years of experience in financial/asset management industry. Assumed many managements role of Private Banking marketing group, dealing with wide range of Ultra High Networth individuals in Japan. After meeting Professor Yunus in 2010, besides serving at financial industry, started to construct/implement social business in Bangladesh and Japan. Japan Automechanic Ltd. is a joint venture project, having Professor Yunus as Chairman of the company. Currently started to send SSW caregivers from Bangladesh to Japan as a president of Japan Action Tank to further contribute to the awareness and creation of the Social Business in Japan.


Reference:
1990～2005　Ｍanaging Director, CITIBAK N.A. (Japan)
2005～2016  Managing Director, UBS A.G. (Japan)
2016～2021  Japan Head, Managing Director, CREDIT SUISSE PRIVATE BANK
2008～　　　Chairman, NPO SK Dream Japan
2023～      EY STRATEGY AND CONSULTING (Japan)
2025～　　　President, Japan Action Tank Association


Presentation Summery
Tsuneaki Hirao, Japan Action Tank
We, Japan Action Tank wants to solve the social issues in Bangladesh (lack of decent oversea job opportunities for motivated and talented youth) AND in Japan (lack of manpower in many industries due to aging and depopulating society) by finding the job opportunities in Japan such as a caregiver for Bangladesh people through Social Business. 

Deputy Managing Director, Grameen Bank
Bangladesh

Mr. A K M Sazzad Hossain has been serving as the Deputy Managing Director of Grameen Bank since June 1, 2025. Prior to joining Grameen Bank, Mr. Hossain served as Director at ASA International. His diverse cross-country experience in various microfinance entities of BRAC and ASA across Bangladesh, India, Kenya, and Tanzania has equipped him with deep insights into inclusive finance models, institutional development, and the evolving needs of underserved communities.

Mr. Hossain holds an MBA in Finance and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Dhaka. He has further enhanced his expertise through executive education at institutions such as Harvard Business School, the Boulder Institute of Microfinance, and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. He is a Certified Expert in Digital Finance.

President and CEO, Elekta Foundation
United States

Lacy Hubbard is the Founding President and CEO of the Elekta Foundation, a Swedish NGO focused on cancer prevention and care in underserved countries. After nearly two decades working in the global radiotherapy industry, a field focused on specialized cancer treatment, she shifted from cancer treatment to cancer screening, prevention, and public health. Her work centers on redesigning how cancer screening can be delivered more affordably and at scale in low-resource countries.

Working closely with the Rwanda Ministry of Health and local and international partners, Lacy led the development of one of Africa’s largest cervical cancer screening initiatives. In four years, the program has screened nearly half a million women, mainly in rural villages with limited access to healthcare. Through HPV testing through self-sampling and timely treatment of precancerous lesions, the program has helped prevent cervical cancer in more than 15,000 women.

Managing Director, Grameen Shikkha
Bangladesh

Mr. Qazi Nazrul Huque, Managing Director of Grameen Shikkha, studied Public Administration at University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and Business Administration at Victoria University, Melbourne. He joined Grameen Bank in 1990 as a senior officer and worked as 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. In 2001 he moved to Grameen Shikkha that works in the fields of scholarship management, vocational training, non-formal education and early childhood development. He writes on Social Business, speaks on Social Business at conferences, and has lectured on Social Business in universities as guest speaker.

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Daffodil International University
Bangladesh

Professor Dr. Mohammed Masum Iqbal is a distinguished academic and higher education leader in Bangladesh, currently serving as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Business Administration at Daffodil International University (DIU). With more than two decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration, he has successfully held key leadership positions, including Head of Department, Associate Dean, and Dean.

He earned his PhD in Banking and Insurance from the University of Dhaka and completed his MBA and BBS in Marketing from the University of Rajshahi. His academic interests include Marketing, Services Marketing, Customer Relationship Management, and Social Business.

Professor Iqbal has contributed extensively to research, with over 50 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. He has also served as a Guest Professor at UCSI University and participated in the Erasmus+ program at Anadolu University.
As Director of the Yunus Social Business Centre and Belt and Road Research Centre at DIU, he actively promotes research, innovation, and international collaboration while advocating for quality education and social business principles.

Managing Director, YY Ventures
Bangladesh

Shazeeb M Khairul Islam is a social business entrepreneur, venture investor, and former public servant. Most recently, he served as Private Secretary to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, supporting executive leadership committed to restoring democratic processes, advancing reforms, and strengthening justice and accountability.

He is the Founder & Managing Director of YY Ventures, a global social business platform that builds, funds, and supports early-stage social businesses across emerging markets. Since inception the company has supported 130+ enterprises, created nearly 2,000 jobs, and positively impacted over 1 million lives, with a strong emphasis on women‑led ventures. He also co-founded Impact Hub Dhaka, helping build a leading entrepreneurship community connected to a global network.

An Obama Scholar (2020–21) and global advocate for Social Business, Shazeeb has served on the board of multiple Grameen social businesses and lectured at institutions including Columbia University, New York University, and Kyushu University. His work continues to bridge entrepreneurship, policy, and global collaboration to shape a more sustainable and just future.

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

Dr. Emadul Islam is a Senior Research Fellow at the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan. He previously served as an Adjunct Scholar for the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) in Washington, D.C., USA. Earlier in his career, Dr. Islam worked as a development expert and researcher with three distinguished organizations: Transparency International Bangladesh, BRAC, and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Independent University, Bangladesh, where he contributed to research and evaluation initiatives.

He earned his Ph.D. in Community Development in 2021 from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, under the prestigious Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship. In 2022–2023, he was awarded the Fulbright Visiting Scholarship to pursue post-doctoral research at Northeastern University in Boston, USA.

Dr. Islam’s research focuses on the connectivity and resilience of coastal communities in the Indian Ocean’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS). His work has been published in journals such as the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, The European Journal of Development Research, Encyclopedia, and Social Movement Studies.

President, Euglena Co., Ltd.,
Japan

Mitsuru Izumo, President of Euglena Co., Ltd., founded the company after witnessing severe nutritional challenges in Bangladesh during his university years.

Since 2014, Euglena has delivered over 21 million packs of nutrient-rich biscuits to children in slum areas through the GENKI Program.
This year, we introduce “GENKI+,” expanding this initiative into a collaborative platform where companies and organizations can deliver nutrition to the people they care about, through schools, workplaces, healthcare, and communities.
Together, we aim to make nutrition accessible for all in Bangladesh.

Vice Chancellor and President, Albukhary International University
Malaysia

Professor Dr. Mohd. Saleh bin Jaafar is a highly accomplished individual with a remarkable journey from a challenging family background to becoming a prominent figure in the field of academia and institutional leadership. Born in Kg. Kandang, Melaka, he was the 13th child among 19 siblings to Hj. Jaafar Yon and Hjh. Embok Chik Alias.

Despite the tough early life, Professor Dato’ Saleh persevered and excelled in his academic pursuits. He was a top student at various educational institutions, ultimately earning a BSc in Civil Engineering with honors from Michigan State University (1985). He furthered his academic journey, obtaining an MS in Structures from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (1988) and a PhD from Sheffield University, in 1998.

His career has been marked by his diverse leadership roles in academia and institutions. He started his leadership journey early, heading the Civil Engineering Department at UPM in 1999. Under his leadership, the department achieved remarkable success in research and teaching, securing substantial research grants and improving journal publications. The department earned a place in the world top 150-200 in QS subject rankings.

Throughout his career, Professor Dato’ Saleh held various positions, such as being the Deputy Dean, Dean of Engineering, and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at UPM. He introduced and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance research and innovation, leading to increased research grants, publications, and impact factors. He integrated research across faculties, established research clusters, programs, and centers, and significantly improved laboratory accreditations.

He also played a pivotal role in promoting innovation and showcasing UPM & expertise and technologies through initiatives like Edu-park. His leadership resulted in numerous awards and recognition for UPM, making it a leader in research and innovation in Malaysia.

Professor Dato’ Saleh was seconded to the Ministry of Higher Education from 2014 to 2016 where he was instrumental in the development of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education). From 2019 to 2020 he was again seconded to the Ministry to serve as Deputy Director General. He is now appointed by the Ministry as an expert panel to develop a new Blueprint for Higher Education, 2026-2035.

Prior to the appointment as the Vice Chancellor and President of Albukhary International University (AIU), Professor Dato’ Saleh was the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University Bangladesh Branch Campus.

Co-founder & Managing Director, Yunus Environment Hub
Germany

Christina Jäger is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Yunus Environment Hub (YEH), a global organisation advancing social business solutions in the environmental sector.

Building on the principles pioneered by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, YEH supports governments, companies, and communities in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through financially self-sustaining models.

With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of social business, sustainability, and international policy, Christina has played a key role in translating proven social business principles into practical environmental action that delivers measurable impact.

Managing Director, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation
Bangladesh

Mr. Md. Fazlul Kader is a distinguished development finance leader who has played an influential role in the evolution of Bangladesh's financial inclusion ecosystem. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has devoted himself to strengthening institutions, designing systems, and expanding market pathways that broaden economic opportunities for millions of financially underserved and excluded people.

His leadership has been closely associated with the growth of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) into a globally recognized unique development finance institution and with the broader
transformation of Bangladesh’s microfinance sector into one of the world’s most influential models of inclusive finance. Through his contributions to strategy, institutional development, and
system design, he has helped shape approaches that connect finance with entrepreneurship, resilience, livelihoods, and human development.

Mr. Kader is widely respected for his ability to translate vision into scalable solutions that enable low-income communities to participate more fully in economic progress. His work has consistently focused on strengthening the institutions and market ecosystems through which finance serves not merely as a source of capital, but as a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

As Managing Director of PKSF, he leads initiatives that advance inclusive finance, enterprise development, climate resilience, and human capability enhancement, contributing to sustainable
and equitable development outcomes.

Mr. Kader holds degrees in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Dhaka and has received advanced professional training from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and Harvard University. He has represented Bangladesh in international forums across more than 30 countries and actively contributes to global dialogue on financial inclusion,
sustainable development, and social impact.

Founder and CEO, , ProClime
India

Kavin Kumar Kandasamy is a visionary entrepreneur leading India's transition into the climate economy. As the Founder and CEO of ProClime, a full-stack climate services platform operating across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Kavin is redefining how the world sees climate not as a cost, but as a bankable, scalable, and profitable opportunity.

Under his leadership, ProClime has evolved into one of Asia's most forward-looking climate infrastructure companies, currently managing 15 million carbon credits with a forward pipeline of 100 million+ forecasted credits. Its integrated "Full Climate Stack" spans Carbon Project Development, IRECS, Carbon Trading, Climate Investments, and ESG-aligned Advisory, underpinned by proprietary digital DMRV (Digital Measurement, Reporting & Verification) and Climate Tech systems that ensure integrity and accountability at scale.

ProClime's mission is bold -to bring 500 million tonnes of emissions under management by 2029, driving climate-positive growth for communities, governments, businesses, and investors. This is enabled at scale by its world-first proprietary multiple-parametric project origination engine.

A believer that "climate is profitable," Kavin built ProClime on a philosophy that environmental responsibility, innovation, and economic growth must evolve together. Today, ProClime's partnerships span eight Indian State Governments and the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, delivering measurable impact through large-scale Carbon Removal Projects across Mangrove Restoration, Afforestation, Sustainable Agriculture, and Engineered Carbon Removal, generating both environmental and socio-economic returns.

Raised in a small town in Tamil Nadu, India and educated in Australia and France, Kavin brings a global, multidisciplinary perspective to the climate sector. His previous ventures span education, skilling, asset management, and wellness, including MY Protection, the world's first "safety lifestyle" startup recognized by Startup India and showcased at the World Economic Forum.

Kavin has been recognized by Enersider as one of the Top 50 Next-Gen Leaders shaping the future of energy in India and by Forbes as one of the Top 40 Education Evangelists of 2020. A renowned voice in education, skills, and climate, he has delivered talks globally on innovation, sustainability, and people empowerment.

In addition to ProClime, Kavin holds leadership roles at Mangalam Educational Institutions, which runs seven schools across Tamil Nadu, and WiSkill, a platform empowering India through skilling, giving him a unique ability to align policy, enterprise, and people for lasting impact.

Program Manager, atomcamp,
Pakistan

President and CEO, ONODERA USER RUN Co., Ltd.
Japan

Director, Grameen Bank
Bangladesh

Executive Vice Chairman, Grameen 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.

Senior Strategic Adviser, Grameen University
Bangladesh

Co-Founder & VP Support Services, Rizq Qasim Javaid, CEO & Co-Founder, Rizq,
Pakistan

Co-founder and CEO, Navaka Social Business Fund Bengaluru
India

Suresh K Krishna  the co-founder and CEO of Navaka Social Business Fund Bengaluru, which aims to promote Social Business as an effective means to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The organization provides patient finance to support game-changing social businesses in India, and is associated with Yunus Social Business entities in Germany, Brazil and East Africa, addressing critical social challenges in a financially sustainable manner.

Suresh has over 25 years of experience in social business, microfinance & working with low income households.. He was the Managing Director of CreditAccess Grameen, India's largest NBFC-MFI, for over 15 years. He is passionate about social businesses, micro housing, financial literacy, and livelihoods for the poor. 

Few highlights of his career:

• Managing Director of CreditAccess Grameen (1999-2015)
• Co-founded Microfinance associations in India – AKMI & MFIN
• Co-founder & Managing Trustee of Navya Disha Trust – A NGO supporting youth in self employment, Co-founder & Chairman of Buzz India – a NGO working on women empowerment.
• He served as Director of Mifos.org (USA), BinaArtha (Indonesia),  SMILE Microfinance, Centrum Microfinance, Sudhanand Healthcare, Waste Ventures P. Ltd, Sadhana Innovative financial services etc.,
• Currently he serves as Independent Director of Sanghamitra Rural Financial Services, Grameen Foundation India, Child Fund India.
• Studied international microfinance models and strategies from several reputed institutions like Harvard Business School, Bankakademi, Institute of Rural Management Anand, etc.
• Alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), Bengaluru (India)

Senior Planning Specialist, Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan
Taiwan

Daisy Liu is a Senior Planning Specialist at the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, where she supports youth empowerment programs, social business education, and international exchange projects. She first encountered the 3ZERO vision during university as a member of a 3ZERO Club, where she helped organize sustainability education activities for elementary school students. She also served as an international volunteer in Cambodia, teaching computer and Chinese skills to local students. Through these experiences, she developed a strong interest in education, youth action, and social innovation. At the Foundation, Daisy works to help young people turn their concern for social issues into concrete proposals and real actions through programs such as the 3ZERO Doer program, the Taiwan Yunus Social Business Innovation Award, and overseas youth exchange initiatives.

Chairman, Allah Wale Foundation, Founder & Director, Mansha Brothers Group of Companies
Pakistan

Shahid Lone is a graduate of Government College University, Lahore, with a Master’s degree from the Institute of Administrative Sciences, University of the Punjab. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 1990s and established Mansha Brothers as a leading office equipment company in Pakistan.

In 2010, he founded Allah Wale Foundation with the vision of empowering communities and nurturing future generations. The Foundation works in Food Security, Health & Nutrition, Education, Water, Youth Development, and Disaster Management.

It’s flagship School Meal / Khana Program provides free nutritious meals daily to over 170,000 students in government schools across Pakistan. The Foundation also operates a state-of-the-art Fireless Mega Kitchen with the capacity to prepare 100,000 meals in 2 hours.

Last year, Allah Wale Foundation served 28.7 million meals across 540+ locations and distributed ration support to more than 173,000 beneficiaries.

Co-founder, Grameen Yemen
Yemen

I am a businessman from a long-established business family, with ownership and leadership roles in international companies operating across the United Kingdom, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China.

I am also the Co-Founder of Grameen Yemen, where I play a key role in expanding access to microfinance opportunities and supporting economic empowerment programs across Yemen.

Managing Director, Grameen Communications
Bangladesh

Mr. Feroz Mahmud is the Managing Director of Grameen Communications and a seasoned technology leader with over two decades of experience in the ICT industry. He previously served as Country Manager of Microsoft Bangladesh, where he led Microsoft’s business operations in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, driving digital transformation and technology adoption across both public and private sectors. Prior to Microsoft, he spent approximately 13 years with IBM, serving in a range of technical and leadership roles in both Bangladesh and international markets.

Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in developing technology strategies, fostering strategic partnerships, promoting cloud technologies, and supporting the growth of the ICT ecosystem. A graduate of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Mr. Mahmud is dedicated to leveraging technology for social and economic development and continues to champion innovation, digital inclusion, and sustainable impact through technology.

CEO, Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd
Nepal

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Mandal is the Chief Executive Officer of Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd., one of Nepal’s leading microfinance institutions. With more than two decades of experience, he has transformed Jeevan Bikas into a model of inclusive finance, empowering thousands of families across Nepal. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies (Finance) from Tribhuvan University and began his career as a grassroots motivator, steadily rising to national leadership.

He also serves as Secretary General of the Nepal Microfinance Bankers' Association (NMBA), where he drives policy advocacy, institutional collaboration, and sectoral growth. Under his leadership, Jeevan Bikas has become a national frontrunner in the 3Zero Mission (Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Net Carbon Emission), coordinating programs that mobilize youth entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and sustainable community development.

Mr. Mandal is a certified trainer of microfinance, having completed the prestigious Microfinance Training of Trainers (MFToT) program organized by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. His expertise in training and capacity building has strengthened the sector’s human capital and enhanced institutional resilience. Widely recognized for his vision and integrity, he has represented Nepal in global forums across Asia, Europe, and Africa, positioning Nepal as a proactive contributor to international financial inclusion and social business.

Founder and President of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF),
Azerbaijan

Umud Mirzayev was born on 1 February 1961 in the Fuzuli district, Republic of Azerbaijan. 1982-1987, he studied at the Poetry Department of the Maxim Gorky Literature Institute in Moscow. 1989-1993, he headed the Department of Science, Journalism and Letters at Literature and Art, the official publication of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union.

Mr. Mirzayev is the founder and President of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF), which has been operating since 1992 and currently holds General Consultative Status of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). From 2012 to 2016, he served as a member of the Executive Board of the International Press Institute (IPI). Since 2013, he has been a member of the High Council of the International Peace Bureau, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate organization.

Mr. Mirzayev is also one of the founders of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum. He currently serves as a member of the Board of the Azerbaijan Press Council, a member of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union, and Chairman of the Public Council under the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA). 

Director, AIU Centre of Excellence Socio-Economic Development and Innovation (ACE-SEDI), Albukhary International University (AIU)
Malaysia

Dr Suraya Hanim Mokhtar is an interdisciplinary scholar and researcher specialising in social finance and social business. She earned her PhD in Finance from Lincoln University, New Zealand, where her doctoral research focused on measuring microfinance performance in Malaysia. Early in her career, she learned about the concept of social business and has since merged her expertise in social finance to advance it. She is currently an associate professor at Albukhary International University (AIU), Malaysia. She teaches courses on social business and supervises postgraduate research in social finance and social business. She is actively guiding students and the community locally and internationally in establishing sustainable, impact-driven social businesses.

Executive Director, Yunus Centre
Bangladesh

Ms. Lamiya Morshed is an internationally recognized development practitioner with over 30 years of experience in microfinance, social business, sustainable development, and global advocacy. She served as the Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh from August 2024 to February 2026 and subsequently resumed her role as Executive Director of Yunus Centre, a position she has held since its founding in 2006.

Since joining Grameen Trust in 1994, she has helped expand microcredit and social business initiatives across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, leading missions in countries including Turkey, Timor-Leste, China, Nepal, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. She has also held leadership positions at Grameen Healthcare Trust and YY Ventures and also served on the boards of various Grameen Organizations.

A multilingual professional educated across several countries, Ms. Morshed brings a global perspective to her work. A frequent speaker at international forums, she actively advances the vision of Social Business and a World of Three Zeros. She holds a degree in Economics from the School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

CEO/Executive Director, Seva Foundation and Seva Europe
United States

Kate Moynihan is an impassioned leader and decision-maker who has overseen programs in networked organizations and social enterprises in resource-constrained settings, internationally and in the United States. She is a catalyst for institutional and systems change, partnering successfully with diverse international organizations to deliver world-class leadership for mission-based social justice around the globe. Throughout Kate’s career, she has shown an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people living in disadvantaged, marginalized segments of the world. Kate currently serves as CEO / Executive Director of the Seva Foundation. She lives in Oakland and is a proud parent of a fierce 16-year-old daughter who herself is engaged in restorative justice. They enjoy life with their dog Spirit.

Kate Moynihan is an impassioned leader and decision-maker who has overseen programs in networked organizations and social enterprises in resource-constrained settings, internationally and in the United States. She is a catalyst for institutional and systems change, partnering successfully with diverse international organizations to deliver world-class leadership for mission-based social justice around the globe. Throughout Kate’s career, she has shown an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people living in disadvantaged, marginalized segments of the world. Kate currently serves as CEO / Executive Director of the Seva Foundation. She lives in Oakland and is a proud parent of a fierce 16-year-old daughter who herself is engaged in restorative justice. They enjoy life with their dog Spirit.

Chairman & President, UMT (University of Management and Technology) & ILM Trust
Pakistan

Ibrahim Hasan Murad is Chairman & President of the University of Management and Technology (UMT), one of Pakistan’s leading private research universities. UMT serves over 27,000 students, with more than 64% of students receiving financial support, including interest-free loans benefiting tens of thousands.

Murad chairs ILM Fund, which has enabled scholarships worth over PKR 16.5 billion for more than 50,000 students across Pakistan.

As an educationist and former provincial minister for local government, he has led transformative initiatives across education, governance, economic development, and social impact.

Beyond UMT, he actively serves in policy circles as Chair of Planning at the prestigious Economic Policy and Business Development Think Tank (EPBD), Senate Member of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Board Member of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), and Advisory Member at the Markfield Institute of Higher Education in the UK.

A passionate advocate of inclusive development, Ibrahim believes universities should be catalysts for national transformation.

Ibrahim also chairs The Knowledge School Network- a chain of 200+ schools in 95 cities of Pakistan serving 50,000 youth at just $10 a month.

Through educational institutions serving over 100,000 learners, youth initiatives, and public service leadership, he continues to champion works that create a lasting societal impact.

Managing Director, Grameen Danone Foods Limited
Bangladesh

Dipesh Nag is the Managing Director of Grameen Danone Foods Limited and an enterprise leader with over two decades of experience across FMCG and pharmaceuticals. He has led teams across Bangladesh, Japan, and Europe, with a strong focus on execution, governance,

and resilient organization building.

His work is closely connected to Social Business, combining commercial discipline with community-centered impact. He is passionate about youth capability development and the creation of lasting value through people, systems, and purpose.

Founder & Creative Director, Tanis Bangladesh
Bangladesh

Tania Naznin is the Founder and Creative Director of Tanis Bangladesh, a purpose-driven social enterprise working to preserve traditional textile craftsmanship while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural artisans, particularly women. Through ethical production, skill development, and market access initiatives, she combines cultural heritage, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to build inclusive economic opportunities. Her work focuses on empowering women through dignified employment, leadership development, and community-based enterprise models that contribute to social and economic progress.

Counsellor, Okma Advice
Netherlands

I am a world traveler and have lived in different countries over the years (USA, Suriname, Bangladesh and Jordan).All these places have enriched my life in many ways: different climates, people, cultures and traditions have shaped my experiences. I have learned that you need to understand the cultural and environmental circumstances before you can contribute. You need to adjust first by listening and asking questions.

I am an active member of the European Appreciative Inquiry network. I am always curious in what gives people /organizations life or what do they need to flourish? Encouraging social entrepreneurs to let their business grow is my motive.

Co-CEO, Grameen Euglena
Japan

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. 

Yunus Centre
Bangladesh

Shihab Quader is a social business strategist working on global partnerships, programme design, and implementation. He manages a diversified portfolio of global projects associated with Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, including past work on the global campaign to “Make the COVID-19 Vaccine a Global Common Good." He also plays a key role in advancing the 3ZERO Club movement for youth across six continents. Shihab holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. During one of Bangladesh’s most critical periods in recent history, he served as Director-General for SDGs at the Chief Adviser’s Office of the Government of Bangladesh. He is recognized for translating global frameworks into practical national development priorities, strengthening data-driven accountability, and mobilizing youth and communities as agents of sustainable change.

President and CEO, Grameen Foundation USA
United States

Sabrina Quaraishi is President & CEO of Grameen Foundation USA, where she leads efforts to expand economic opportunity and strengthen financial resilience for underserved communities globally. Her work focuses on advancing integrated approaches to financial inclusion, livelihoods, blended finance, and partnerships across the broader Grameen ecosystem.

Prior to becoming CEO, Sabrina led Bankers without Borders (BwB), Grameen Foundation’s global skillanthropy initiative, for 18 years. Under her leadership, BwB grew into one of the world’s largest pro bono networks dedicated to social impact, mobilizing more than 28,000 professionals across 174 countries to support over 500 organizations in 48 countries.

Sabrina has worked extensively at the intersection of financial inclusion, social enterprise, volunteer engagement, and systems-level collaboration, with a focus on building sustainable models that strengthen institutional capacity and community resilience.

Sabrina’s connection to Grameen began in Bangladesh in 1999 through research on the empowerment of Grameen Bank village phone operators, an experience that shaped her long-term commitment to community-led development and economic inclusion.

Sabrina 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

Ms. Tasmina Rahman is a practitioner of microfinance and social business, currently serving as the Managing Director of Grameen Trust since January 2023. She also serves on the boards of several microfinance institutions and social business organizations in Bangladesh and internationally.

Having joined Grameen Trust in 1994, Ms. Rahman has devoted over three decades to advancing the vision of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. Working closely with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, she has played a significant role in expanding the Grameen Bank Approach globally and promoting entrepreneurship as a solution to unemployment.
Her leadership has contributed to the implementation of more than 155 Grameen Replication Programs in 44 countries, serving approximately 30 million microcredit clients worldwide. She has also overseen the Nobin Entrepreneurship Program, which has supported over 56,000 young entrepreneurs as of May 2026. Ms. Rahman regularly represents Grameen Trust at international forums, sharing expertise in microfinance, financial inclusion, social business, and sustainable development.

President and CEO , CARD-MRI Development Institute
Philippines

Dr. Edzel Almanza Ramos is the President and CEO of the CARD-MRI Development Institute a member organization and capacity/education building arm of the CARD MRI Mutually Reinforcing Institutions in the Philippines. This network includes 35 development-oriented institutions serving more than 10 million Filipinos with over 20,000 staff. CMDI provides capacity-building programs needed by staff, members and other development organizations. It is also a government recognized Technical Vocational Training and Assessment Center, Senior High School, and Tertiary institution that offers both Master's and Doctorate Programs in partnership with other universities. CMDI has over 10,000 enrolled students this academic year and has produced almost 5,000 graduates since its degree programs began in 2015. The institute also manages the CARD MRI Scholarship Program, which has supported a total of 37,000 scholars, including 16,000 graduates who are dependents of CARD MRI microfinance clients.

He is an alumni of the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, Asian Institute of Management, Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute in the Philippines and Harvard Business School.

Co-Founder and CEO, One Young World
South Africa

Kate Robertson is the co-founder and CEO of One Young World, a global platform that inspires, builds and elevates young leaders to create positive social change. Established in 2009 alongside Co-Founder, David Jones, One Young World has become the leading forum for young talent, bringing together delegates from over 190 countries to work on global challenges such as climate change, health equity, and human rights. 

Having grown up in apartheid South Africa, Kate Robertson’s worldview was shaped by witnessing both the injustices of the system and the profound leadership of figures like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in building a new, inclusive society. Inspired by the Olympic movement’s values, Kate founded One Young World to give young leaders from every nation the opportunity to unite and work towards a better, more equitable world. Dubbed by CNN ‘the junior Davos’, the Summit is attended by 2,000+ delegates representing 190+ countries. 

Kate spent 35 years in the advertising industry, finishing as Global President of the Havas group from 2013 – 15 and UK Chairman from 2006. She graduated with a BA. Ll.B  from the University of Cape Town and has Honorary Masters degrees from the University of Creative Arts and the European Communications School and an honorary doctorate from the Lausanne Business School.  In 2026 she received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bath.

Former President of Ireland,
Ireland

 
Mary Robinson is a co-founder of Project Dandelion, which is a women-led global campaign for climate justice, Adjunct Professor for Climate Justice at Trinity College Dublin, and a member of The Elders. She served as President of Ireland from 1990-1997 and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. She is a member of the Club of Madrid and the recipient of numerous honours and awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the President of the United States Barack Obama.
Between 2013 and 2016, Mary served as the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy in three roles; first for the Great Lakes region of Africa, then on Climate Change leading up to the Paris Agreement and in 2016 as his Special Envoy on El Niño and Climate. Her Foundation, the Mary Robinson Foundation –Climate Justice, established in 2010, came to a planned end in April 2019.
A former President of the International Commission of Jurists and former chair of the Council of Women World Leaders she was President and founder of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative from 2002-2010 and served as Honorary President of Oxfam International from 2002-2012. She was Chancellor of the University of Dublin from 1998 to 2019. 
 Mary Robinson serves as Patron of the International Science Council and Patron of the Board of the Institute of Human Rights and Business, is an Ambassador for The B Team, in addition to being a board member of several organisations including the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the Aurora Foundation.
Recently she became joint Honorary President of the Africa Europe Foundation. Mary’s memoir,‘Everybody Matters’ was published in September 2012 and her book, ‘Climate Justice - Hope, Resilience and the Fight for a Sustainable Future’ was published in September 2018. She is also co-host of a podcast on the climate crisis, called ‘Mothers of Invention’.

composer and artistic director, Imagem srl,
Italy

Paola Samoggia graduated in piano and achieved the Post Graduate Master Course “COMPOSER” in the Opera Academy Verona. She attended the High Composition Master Course in the Royal Philharmonic Academy of Bologna.

Paola collaborates with several producer for ads, documentaries and short films, and she also composes on commission for major contemporary art galleries and music institutions. She is facing artistic projects about work social issues since 2010; in this path she composed the music for the Multimedia Chamber Opera "27 DOLLARI" (inspired by
“Banker to the Poor”, the first book of M. Yunus, Nobel Peace Laureate Professor) and for the video dance project "NO CRASH | music, dance and architecture about deaths at work".

Paola Samoggia si è diplomata in pianoforte e ha conseguito il Master in Composizione Coreutica presso la Opera Academy di Verona. Ha frequentato il Master di Alta Composizione presso la Regia Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna. Paola collabora con diversi producer per spot, documentari e cortometraggi, e compone anche su commissione
per importanti gallerie d'arte contemporanea e istituzioni musicali. Dal 2010 si occupa di progetti artistici su temi sociali del mondo del lavoro; in questo percorso ha composto le musiche per l'Opera da Camera Multimediale "27 DOLLARI" (ispirata a "Il Banchiere dei Poveri" primo libro di M. Yunus Premio Nobel per la Pace) e per il progetto di video danza "NO CRASH | musica, danza e architettura del tema delle morti sul lavoro".

Co-founder & Chief Operations Officer, Saus Taus Global Pvt. Ltd.
Bangladesh

Nomrota Sarker is Co-founder and Chairman of Saus Taus Global Pvt. Ltd., a Dhaka-based food and condiment brand reimagining how Bangladeshi flavors reach modern consumers. She brings a rare dual lens to food systems: as an operator navigating the realities of local production and distribution and as an economic policy thinker with bylines in The Daily Star.

A graduate of the Orange Corners Bangladesh entrepreneurship program and recipient of the BTI Stellar Women Award 2024 in Entrepreneurship, Nomrota previously worked as a venture capital analyst at Anchorless Bangladesh, where she evaluated early-stage startups across the region. She is an advocate for building food businesses that are both commercially resilient and community-rooted and believes the future of food in Bangladesh will be written by founders who understand both the supply chain and the dinner table.

Acting Managing Director, Grameen Shakti
Bangladesh

Abdus Sattar, FCA is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of expertise in accounting, auditing, and corporate leadership. Currently serving as the Acting Managing Director of Grameen Shakti, he has been a driving force in the organization since 2014, contributing to its growth and sustainability. Grameen Shakti is working for Renewable Energy. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr. Sattar began his career with multinational company INTERTEK as Chief Accountant, where he honed his skills in global financial practices. He later advanced to senior leadership roles as General Manager, Accounts and Finance, across five prominent business groups in Bangladesh, demonstrating his ability to lead complex financial operations and strategic planning. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation in financial management. With a proven track record of guiding organizations toward success, Mr. Sattar continues to inspire through his leadership and dedication to advancing sustainable development through diversified works for Grameen Shakti.

Founder & Executive Director, Spreeha Foundation & Chairman, YY Ventures,
Bangladesh

Executive Director, Yunus Center, Asian Institute of Technology (YCA)
Thailand

Executive Director, Yunus Center, Asian Institute of Technology (YCA)
President, Yunus Thailand (YT),Thailand
 

Prof. Faiz Shah has led the Yunus Center at the Asian Institute of Technology (YCA) since 2012, serving as a member of the AIT Management Team with faculty affiliation at the School of Management. From 2023–2025, he was a Professor at the Albukhary Centre of Excellence in Socio-Economic Development & Innovation (ACE-SEDI), heading its interdisciplinary Social Business graduate program. He also designed master's programs in Social Business and ESG at AIT and Albukhary International University.

Across a 40-year international career, Prof. Shah has overseen 300+ projects and trained over 3,000 grassroots changemakers from more than a dozen countries. He leads the Social Business Academia Network, is the Founding President of the Yunus Thailand Foundation, and is a Visiting Professor at Thammasat University and Kasetsart University. He is the lead author of the Responsible Business Guide (CIPE-RBI-ACCA, 2010) and currently heads the WePOWER Global Secretariat at Yunus Center AIT.

Founder, Watteh Greens
Bangladesh

Shovon grew up in a country where fertile land is abundant, yet food shortages and price shocks remain a recurring reality. This contradiction led him to a question: how can Bangladesh produce enough food for its people in an age of climate uncertainty?
Today, his work centers on finding practical answers. Through climate-resilient farming systems and locally adapted technologies, he is exploring new ways to grow food closer to consumers, with greater reliability and fewer resources.

He believes that food is more than a commodity. It is security, dignity, and opportunity. His long-term mission is to help build a future where every season is a growing season, every community has access to safe food, and agriculture becomes a source of resilience in a changing world

Member of the Board of Trustees, Grameen Telecom Trust
Bangladesh

Tanim Hussain Shawon, a commercial law practitioner for 18 years, has been providing legal advice to various social business companies in Bangladesh for more than a decade. In particular, he has assisted companies to structure their constitution and business in a manner that complies with the social business principles. He assisted foreign investors, such as Intel, Danone and Veolia, who were joint-venture partners in social business companies in Bangladesh. He also acts pro bono for social business enterprises in the context of regulatory issues and disputes. He was closely involved in drafting the Grameen Bank (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Microfinance Bank Ordinance 2025 that the Interim Government promulgated. 

Tanim is also a member of the general body of Grameen Kalyan and a member of the Board of Trustees of Grameen Telecom Trust. 

Founder and CEO, Garbageman
Bangladesh

CEO, Grameen HealthTech Ltd (Shukhee) & Shamadhan Services Ltd (GPay)
Bangladesh

Acting CEO, 

Dr. Ahmed Armaan Siddiqui is a technology and innovation leader with more than 20 years of experience across digital transformation, telecom, healthcare, and social business. As CEO of Grameen HealthTech Ltd., he is helping build accessible, technology driven healthcare in line with Professor Muhammad Yunus’s vision of inclusive impact.
He also serves as Acting CEO and Board Member of Shamadhan Services Limited, Adjunct Faculty at North South University, and Board Member of Grameen Waters Limited and SHSIRC. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles at Robi Axiata, Grameenphone, Citycell, and Edotco Group, contributing to major advances in mobile internet, digital finance, OTT, digital health, and telecom infrastructure.
His work has received national and international recognition, including CommunicAsia, GLOMO, Bangladesh Brand Forum, Bangladesh Innovation Awards, South Asia Award, Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award, and Commonwealth Excellence Award. Through MFJF, MFSS, and the Shukhee Village Project, he continues to advance community welfare across Bangladesh.

Former Executive Director of UN Environment, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and
Norway

Erik Solheim is a globally recognised leader on environment, development, and peace. He served as Norwegian Minister of Environment and International Development from 2005 to 2012, where he initiated the global rainforest conservation program and brought Norwegian development assistance to 1% of GNI — the highest in the world. He was also leader of the Socialist Left Party from 1987 to 1997 and a member of the Norwegian Parliament from 1989 to 2001.

He led peace negotiations in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Sudan, and Burundi, and served as Under-Secretary General of the UN and Executive Director of UN Environment from 2016 to 2018.

Currently, he is President of the Europe–Asia Center in Brussels, Vice Chair of the Peking University Institute of Carbon Neutrality, and holds honorary professorships at several leading universities including Tsinghua and Fudan.

He has been recognised as a Hero of the Environment by Time magazine and a Champion of the World by the United Nations.

Quantum and Ai Sovereignty Senior Advisor, Levio 
Canada

Richard St-Pierre operates at the nexus of technology, sovereignty, and democracy. As the Senior Advisor for Quantum and AI Sovereignty at Levio and co-chair of the Global Data Pledge, he assists governments and organizations in managing AI governance, post-quantum security, and the geopolitics surrounding digital infrastructure.

Richard previously established Canada's largest Quantum Innovation Zone and was recognized as one of the Top 10 Innovators of 2017. With training in Europe and China, as well as certificates from Oxford and Harvard, he offers a global perspective on our collective digital future.

His policy writing covers the G7 and countries' governments, where he advocates for the role of Middle Powers in a world increasingly shaped by technology-driven asymmetries.

Executive Vice Chairman, Grameen Communications
Bangladesh

Nazneen Sultana is currently serving as the Executive Vice Chairman of Grameen Communications. She played a foundational role in the organization, having served as its Managing Director since its inception in 1997. Under her leadership, Grameen Communications pioneered several groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of the world’s first complete micro-banking software, now widely used by microfinance institutions including Grameen Bank. She also spearheaded efforts to extend ICT access to remote rural areas of Bangladesh.

Ms. Sultana has contributed significantly to the social business movement. She was actively involved in establishing several social business ventures, including Grameen Euglena. She now serves as the Country Manager of Euglena Corporation Japan’s liaison office in Bangladesh.

In recognition of her contributions and leadership, she was recently appointed as a Director on the Board of Grameen Bank.
Ms. Sultana began her professional journey with Grameen Bank in 1984, where she served until 1997 and played a key role in establishing the Bank’s ICT division.

She holds both BS and MS degrees in Applied Mathematics from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, and earned a diploma in Management Information Systems from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. With over 30 years of experience in the IT field, she serves as a director in several ICT companies, including Accenture Bangladesh.

In addition to her professional roles, she actively contributes to various non-profit initiatives, serving as an executive member of several NGOs focused on gender equity, affordable healthcare, women’s empowerment, and ICT for development.

Co-founder, Onnosheba
Bangladesh

Abida Sultana is the co-founder of Onnosheba, a social business-based diner and food catering enterprise in Chittagong Bangladesh, dedicated to providing nutritious, healthy, and affordable meals to menial workers, low-income adults, and schoolchildren.

With a postgraduate degree in Marine Sciences, Abida began her career in her family’s aquaculture business and later served for seven years as a science coordinator and teacher in primary and high schools. In 2015, she launched Onnosheba as a pilot project with the vision of offering a healthier alternative to traditional street food culture. The initiative began with her personal savings of approximately BDT 50,000 and five workers.

Following growing demand, Onnosheba Ltd. was formally established on 8 November 2015 with ten shareholders, and its first outlet opened on 7 December 2015 in line with Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ social business model. Since then, Onnosheba has grown into a sustainable enterprise, demonstrating that businesses can remain profitable while serving lower-income communities with dignity and care.

By 2021, Onnosheba had achieved a turnover of approximately BDT 96.8 million and employed 26 workers. Today, the organization serves 250 to 300 people daily and plans to launch a large kitchen facility with the capacity to produce up to 25,000 meals per day, expanding its reach and social impact.

In addition to her work with Onnosheba, Abida serves as a Director of the Chittagong Social Business Center, where she supports new entrepreneurs by reviewing project proposals and overseeing implementation. Through her leadership, she continues to promote social innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship, and sustainable solutions for underserved communities in Bangladesh.

Professor, Banking and Finance, University of Bologna
Italy

Giuseppe Torluccio is Professor of Banking and Finance at the University of Bologna, where he teaches and conducts research on financial intermediation, credit risk, corporate finance, and sustainable finance, and coordinates PhD students and researcher in banking. He earned an MBA from the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis and has been a visiting scholar at several international institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis, Arizona State University, and Bangor University (UK).

Alongside his academic activity, Professor Torluccio is strongly engaged in social innovation and impact-driven initiatives, as well. He serves as Director of the Yunus Social Business Centre and Vice-President of the Fondazione Yunus Italia ETS, promoting the principles of social business. He coordinates and supports European projects focused on social inclusion, women's empowerment, sustainability, youth engagement, and financial education. He is also actively involved in developing the 3ZERO Club network at the University of Bologna, encouraging students to contribute to a world with zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

Member of the Board of Trustees, International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF)
Azerbaijan

Ayseba Umutlu is an award-winning journalist, producer, and humanitarian with nearly a decade of experience across documentary, podcast, digital, and broadcast formats.

Her work spans media, AI, and society. She is a board member of the AI in Media conference organized by Al Jazeera Media Institute and a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF), a Baku-based NGO with UN ECOSOC consultative status.

Her roots in civil society run deep. Aysaba began her career as a humanitarian worker, was an active leader in Azerbaijan's youth movement, and brought the Erasmus Student Network to Azerbaijan. She also founded the country's first youth NGO dedicated to international students.

During her years in Qatar, she served as Qatar Chapter President of the Middle East Leadership Academy and as a board member of the UK-Qatar Alumni network reflecting a lifelong instinct for building communities wherever she lands.

From Baku to London, Istanbul to Doha, Aysaba carries the perspective of someone who has always worked across media, society, and change.

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.

Paris City Councillor
France

Elisa Yavchitz is a Paris City Councillor, economist, and lecturer at Sciences Po Paris. A specialist in the social and solidarity economy, she founded Les Canaux, an organization dedicated to fostering a more local, inclusive, circular, and sustainable economy.

Les Canaux notably coordinated the inclusive and solidarity-based dimension of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Previously, Elisa Yavchitz held positions at the World Health Organization, the French Ministry of Health, and several strategy consulting firms. She also served as speechwriter and economic advisor to the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Sing for Hope
United States

Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and raised in New Jersey, Monica Yunus is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Sing for Hope. An acclaimed soprano, she has performed with The Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera, and appeared in concert worldwide. Honored with a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award and named a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, Monica has spoken at the United Nations, Aspen Ideas Festival, and Skoll World Forum. An Artist Lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University, she lectures internationally  on the arts in health and access to the arts as a human right. 

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Sing for Hope
United States

Raised in Texas and Mexico, Camille Zamora is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Sing for Hope. A celebrated soprano, she has collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, London Symphony Orchestra, and on NPR and BBC broadcasts. Camille has been honored by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, CNN, and NY1, and named one of Town & Country’s “Top 50 Americans in Philanthropy.” She has been featured at the United Nations, Aspen Ideas, and Oxford University, and served as Artist-in-Residence at Florida State University, University of Arkansas, and The Wallis Annenberg Center. A Juilliard graduate and current Trustee guiding the school’s tuition-free initiative, Camille is a leading voice on arts advocacy and the transformative power of the arts in health.