North South University (NSU), through its School of Business and Economics (SBE), in collaboration with Yunus Centre, organized the Social Business Innovation Summit 2026 on Tuesday at the NSU Auditorium. Sponsored by Dhaka Bank PLC, United Commercial Bank PLC, and Capitec Asset Management Ltd., the summit has brought together distinguished policymakers, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and social business practitioners from Bangladesh and abroad to explore innovative solutions for creating sustainable social impact through business, a press release said.

The Program was graced by Hon’ble Member of Parliament Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, as the Chief Guest. The program featured a Welcome Speech by Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NSU; the Host’s Introduction by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU; and Opening Remarks by Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director of Yunus Centre and Grameen Healthcare Trust. The session was attended by Professor Faiz H Shah, Executive Director, Yunus Centre – Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; Professor AKM Waresul Karim, Dean, School of Business & Economics, NSU; Dr. Chien-wen Shen, Associate Dean, School of Management, National Central University, Taiwan, Professor Abdur Rab, Vice Chancellor, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology; Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh Bin Jaafar, Vice Chancellor and President, Albukhary International University, Malaysia; senior university officials, representatives from the Yunus Centre, international delegates, faculty members, students, industry leaders, development professionals, and members of the media.

Welcoming the guests, Professor Nasar U. Ahmed said, “Social business teaches us that success is measured not only by profit but by purpose and the well-being of people. At North South University, we are committed to nurturing graduates who dream boldly, think creatively, and serve humanity.”

Introducing the summit, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “NSU is committed to integrating education with the principles of social business and innovation. We empower our students to unleash their potential through entrepreneurship, creativity, and socially driven initiatives, enabling them to create meaningful impact and address real-world challenges.”

Lamiya Morshed said, “Today’s young generation is the most powerful because they are informed, courageous, and unwilling to accept injustice. Their energy and determination give us hope for building a better future. I encourage every young entrepreneur to create businesses that not only generate profit but also transform lives, strengthen communities, and contribute to a world of three zeros: zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment.”

Addressing the audience as Chief Guest, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan said, “The events of 2024 showed us the important role that students and teachers can play in shaping the nation’s future. I am proud that the students and faculty of North South University stood up when the country needed them. I believe private universities will continue to contribute, not only by educating future leaders in the classroom, but also by promoting civic responsibility and serving the nation whenever called upon.”

The program continued with the Plenary Session titled “Beyond Profit: Redefining Business for the Next Generation”. 

Professor Faiz H. Shah, Executive Director, Yunus Centre – Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, addressed misconceptions about social business. He said, “Students must understand early that reputation and purpose drive business success. Professor Yunus has shown that it is possible to earn money while creating social impact. Misconceptions can be changed through demonstrated examples.”

Dr. Chien-wen Shen, Associate Dean, School of Management, National Central University, Taiwan, highlighted the importance of vision and effective execution in driving national development. He said, “By investing in our strengths and developing talent, we have achieved the progress you have seen today. Vision, sound policy, and effective execution are the keys to sustainable success.” 

Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh Bin Jaafar, Vice Chancellor and President, Albukhary International University, Malaysia, said, “Climate change, food security, poverty, and unemployment are global challenges. Greater collaboration among universities and institutions will accelerate knowledge sharing, strengthen learning, and help develop solutions to the local problems faced by our respective countries.”

The program is followed by a series of concurrent Breakout Sessions covering key themes in social business and sustainable development. These included “Reimagining Food Security Through Social Business: The RIZQ Model and Its Replication Potential”; “ESG & Social Business: Academic Perspectives”; “Inclusive Finance – The Future of Microcredit”; “Social Business Ecosystem in Action”; “Her Venture, Her Impact: Gender Equity in Social Entrepreneurship”; “Funding the Mission: Financing Social Innovation in Bangladesh”; “Healthcare Innovations”; “Evolving Role of Academia in Social Business”; “ESG Model Implementation: Practitioner Insights”; and “Social Enterprise in Practice: Hong Kong Perspectives”. The summit also featured the “Startup & Social Business Innovation Session” and the day-long “Social Business Innovation Showcase”, highlighting innovative ventures and projects by students, startups, and social enterprises.

The Social Business Innovation Summit 2026 continues through 30 June at North South University with expert-led discussions, international collaborations, startup showcases, and exhibitions designed to inspire the next generation of social innovators under the theme, “Create. Sustain. Transform. Empowering the Next Generation of Social Innovators.”