As the world deals with difficult social, economic and environmental challenges, Bangladesh’s intent to incorporate Dr Muhammad Yunus’s ‘three zero’ theory into its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda is timely and visionary. This unwavering step emphasises the nation’s commitment to making a fairer and sustainable future through the aim of zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emission.
The ‘three zero’ theory, conceptualised by Dr Yunus, is a transformative framework designed to address critical global challenges. Rooted in social business ideologies, this model advocates for fresh solutions that empower people, foster economic self-sufficiency and ensure environmental sustainability. The core premise is simple yet profound—by eliminating poverty, eradicating unemployment through entrepreneurship and diminishing carbon emission to zero, the world can build a future that is sustainable and inclusive.
The alignment between the ‘three zero’ theory and the SDGs is undeniable. Addressing poverty and unemployment aligns with SDG 1 (no poverty and SDG 8 (proper work and economic growth), while the focus on diminishing carbon emission corresponds to SDG 13 (climate action). Social business—a central pillar of the theory—offers a practical pathway to attain these goals. By prioritising solutions over profits, social businesses tackle societal challenges directly, generating employment opportunities while addressing environmental alarms.
The ‘threezero’ theory
is not just acall to action;
it is ablueprint fora freshdevelopment,
one thatprioritisescollective
prosperityandplanetarywell-being
Youths’ engagement is essential to the success of this vision. Initiatives like the establishment of ‘three zero clubs’ in universities globally represent the potential of this model to inspire and mobilise young people. These clubs serve as incubators for new ideas and grassroots solutions. Although their growth in Bangladesh has faced initial hurdles, fresh progress suggests a mounting alertness to this transformative concept.
For management, incorporating the ‘three zero’ theory into SDG execution needs a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, fostering a supportive ecosystem for social businesses is necessary. This comprises revising policies to encourage entrepreneurship, offering financial support to budding social entrepreneurs and enhancing public-private partnership. Secondly, awareness raising campaigns that highlight the real benefits of the ‘three zero’ model can drive wider societal adoption. Influential figures, cultural events and even sports campaigns may amplify these efforts.
Dr Yunus’s advocacy for a lifestyle of zero waste and zero carbon is mainly relevant in the face of intensifying climate crises. His stress on renewable energy and reduced consumption offers a roadmap for sustainable living.
Leadership of Bangladesh in adopting and implementing the ‘three zero’ theory may set an inspirational global example. By aligning this vision with the SDG framework, the nation has the opportunity to accelerate a model of development that is fair, modern and sustainable.
The path ahead demands cooperative effort, but the potential rewards—a world free from poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation—are immense. The ‘three zero’ theory is not just a call to action; it is a blueprint for a fresh development, one that prioritises collective prosperity and planetary well-being.
