The 14th Social Business Day : Uniting for the 3ZERO Vision

(中央社訊息服務20240705 10:18:11)The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, authorized by 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, led a delegation to the 14th Social Business Day (“SBD”) in Manila, Philippines from 27-28 June 2024. This international event, guided by CEO Juno Wang, included nearly 20 social business experts, academic professors, and outstanding students. Notable members included Associate Professor Ying-Hsing Lin from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology and Assistant Professor Yiing-Lun Sim from Chihlee University of Technology, representing the Yunus Social Business Centres from various universities. At the conference, global experts and scholars discussed solutions to social issues such as poverty and carbon reduction. The Taiwanese delegation presented seven times, with the goal of achieving Professor Yunus's vision -"Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Zero Poverty, and Zero Unemployment."

This year's conference theme, "An Exit Route from the Current Self-Destructive Civilization," was organized in collaboration with the Philippines' Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), which aims to help women in low-income and rural communities achieve self-sufficiency. The event attracted over 400 registered participants from 27 countries and featured more than 120 renowned global speakers to discuss and share innovative social business concepts.

In Professor Yunus’ opening remarks, he highlighted those social businesses, like rural banks, can extend beyond Bangladesh to help people worldwide. Any idea can become a social business with a clear goal and limitless potential.

Juno Wang, CEO of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, was invited as a keynote speaker to share the Foundation’s progress in promoting social businesses and the Three Zeros vision in Taiwan. She discussed the challenges of climate change in Taiwan and outlined educational initiatives like the Yunus Camp, 3ZERO Doer Yunus Baby Boss, and Grameen School, aimed at cultivating more " 3ZERO Persons" and supporting micro-entrepreneurs to create social and environmental change.

Professor Ying-Hsing Lin, Secretary-General of the Foundation in Southern Taiwan also represented Taiwan in the Country Forum Session, highlighting Taiwan's potential for international collaboration and the implementation of sustainable actions inspired by countries like Japan and the United States. William Chiu, Manager of the Foundation shared his experiences in environmental advocacy through conservation awareness initiatives in Taiwan.

Notable speakers at the event included Philippine Olympic Committee Executive Board Member Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, NWTF Executive Director Suzzette D. Gaston, Asian Development Bank Vice President Bhargav Dasgupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation President Shahidul Alam, and Land Bank of the Philippines President Audrey Tangonan.

The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan documented and shared insights from the international visit on their Facebook page at https://reurl.cc/Gj0RRv , aiming to continue promoting the development of a collective good model in Taiwan and creating a sustainable future with the 3ZERO vision. On the second day of SBD on June 28, the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan also celebrated Professor Yunus' birthday with a special video message featuring best wishes from Han Kuo-yu (aka) Daniel Han, 13th President of the Legislative Yuan, Professor Ko Wen-je, former Taipei Mayor, Tai, Hsi-Chin, Speaker of Taipei City Council, Presidents of universities, Directors of Yunus Social Business Centres in Taiwan, and Philippa Tsai, President of the Foundation and Juno Wang, CEO of the Foundation. The birthday video can be viewed at https://reurl.cc/mM1j5l .