Muhammad Yunus Accepts Hillary Clinton Award for Social Business
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award on Thursday. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented it at Georgetown University in Washington. Around 400 guests attended the ceremony. Ambassadors from about 25 countries were present. Muhammad Yunus received a long standing ovation when his name was announced.
Four people received this honor this year. Muhammad Yunus was among them. Other recipients included India’s Reema Nanavaty and fashion designer Tory Burch. Muna Sukhtian from Jordan also received an award.
Hillary Clinton praised Muhammad Yunus at the event. She spoke about his work with Grameen Bank. “I have personally seen how women became self-reliant,” she said. Their security and empowerment greatly improved. Clinton noted Dr. Yunus’s work helps women worldwide.
Muhammad Yunus spoke about 50 years of his work. He said the award recognized this long effort. “This event will inspire Grameen families,” he stated. He highlighted Grameen Bank’s role in reducing poverty and empowering women.
“We helped people stand on their own feet,” Muhammad Yunus explained. This was achieved through microcredit. He focused on women to use their strengths. They then improved their families’ finances. Poor women are now confident, he added. They speak up and run their own bank.
Muhammad Yunus also discussed job creation. He said young people should be job creators, not job seekers. He explained the concept of social business. Its purpose is to solve problems, not to make personal profit.
Social business funds support hospitals and health centers. Any extra money is reinvested in healthcare. Muhammad Yunus criticized the current education system. He said it wrongly prepares young people for jobs. Education should develop creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
A new Grameen University will launch by year-end. This university will aim for a “Three Zeros” world. It will teach students to become entrepreneurs. The university will provide support and financing for new businesses. Muhammad Yunus hopes this marks a new start in education.
