Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus recently concluded a visit to London from March 22 to March 25, 2024, at the invitation of Social Enterprise UK. Social Enterprise UK was founded to create social businesses following the concept developed by Professor Yunus.
The visit was marked by engaging discussions, receptions, and meaningful exchanges with various dignitaries and leaders across civil society and government.
The visit began with a reception held in honor of Professor Yunus by Social Enterprise UK in London on March 23rd.
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries including Baroness Helena Kennedy, Member of the House of Lords, Lord Victor Adebowale CBE of the Houses of Parliament, and Professor Pamela Gillies, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, alongside other notable civil society leaders.
To explore the depth and breadth of social business enterprises, Professor Yunus embarked on a visit to several initiatives supported by Social Enterprise UK the following day. His journey led him to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the iconic site of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Within the park, Professor Yunus visited the premises of “Bicycle Works”, a social business enterprise টবৃট focuses on the importance of bicycle use for all. He enjoyed a bicycle ride with the staff of “Bicycle Works” at the Olympic Park.
Professor Yunus attended a parliamentary reception at the UK Parliament on March 25th, hosted by Rushanara Ali MP, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom. Several parliament members joined this gathering, exchanging valuable insights and ideas with Professor Yunus.
During his stay, Professor Yunus called on Honorable Andrew Mitchell MP, Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). He welcomed Professor Yunus at his office, expressing admiration for his contributions. Minister Mitchell fondly recalled his visit to Professor Yunus’s residence in Dhaka. During the meeting, he described him as a “national treasure.” In his memoir book “Beyond a Fringe: Tales From A Reformed Establishment Lackey”, Minister Mitchell has mentioned Professor Yunus and his work for alleviating poverty. He presented a copy of the book to Professor Yunus with a signed dedication.
Additionally, Alicia Kearns MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, extended an invitation to Professor Yunus at her office in the UK Parliament. Alicia Kearns MP commended Professor Yunus for his lifelong dedication to humanity and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet him, acknowledging his significant impact on social change.
Throughout his visit, Professor Yunus received a warm reception and engaged in meaningful exchanges with the senior leaders of Social Enterprise UK, including the founder of the organization Mr. Peter Holbrook. He also met policymakers, and business leaders from across the UK. His visit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive social change globally.