YoheiSasakwa, best known Japanese philanthropist for his dedication to bring peace in Myanmar called on Professor Yunus at Yunus Centre to discuss peace in Myanmar.
Other members included Shota Nakayasu, Secretary for the Honorary Chair; Franz Ken Kuribayashi, Senior Project Officer, International Program; Toru Kimura, Senior Project Coordinator, International Program; Ms. Kimiyo Machida, Interpreter; Dr. Akiko Horiba, Director, Center for Mediation Support; Dr. Naonori
Kusakabe, Senior Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Associate Professor at Rikkyo University; and Dr. Shiho Tanaka. They reviewed the current situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. They
exchanged views on Bangladesh-Japan relations, Bangladesh’s recent democratic transition, the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and opportunities for future cooperation on Monday.
Sasakawa also discussed the long-standing friendship between Japan and Bangladesh. Sasakawa commended Professor Yunus’s philosophy and leadership, and said that wealth concentration is a global problem that cannot be solved by any single nation, stressing the need for countries to work together to
address it. The discussion also focused extensively on the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and the
situation in Myanmar. Given Sasakawa’s longstanding engagement in Myanmar and his extensive experience working on humanitarian and peace-related issues there, Professor Yunus expressed hope that he could continue contributing to efforts to promote peace and dialogue. Professor Yunus stressed the importance of providing education, healthcare and other forms of support to Rohingya children living in the camps in Bangladesh. He warned that a generation growing up without a clear sense of belonging or a future could become increasingly frustrated and angry.
Sasakawa said he would visit the Rohingya camps and explore ways of supporting humanitarian efforts.
The meeting also covered Bangladesh’s strategic geographical position and the importance of connectivity. Professor Yunus highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s coastline and the development of deep-sea port facilities.
He said improved port infrastructure and regional connectivity could help Bangladesh serve as a gateway for neighbouring countries and connect Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern region with global markets.
The meeting also covered discussions on greater collaboration in social business and entrepreneurship, as well as the role of education in creating entrepreneurs rather than simply producing job seekers. Professor Yunus highlighted the work of Grameen University and the importance of developing new approaches to education that equip young people to become job creators.
The delegation and Professor Yunus agreed on the importance of continued Bangladesh-Japan cooperation and exploring practical areas of collaboration involving social business, entrepreneurship, education, humanitarian support and regional peace.
Md. Ashraful Hassan, Chairman of the Grameen Group, and LamiyaMorshed,Executive Director of the Yunus Centre, were also present at the meeting.
