In a powerful speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on global leaders to harness the power of sports for social change. Addressing a plenary session on “The State of Climate and Nature,” he stressed that sports should not be seen merely as entertainment but as a powerful tool for driving societal progress.
Drawing from his experience with the Paris 2024 Olympics, Prof. Yunus shared how he was invited in 2018 to incorporate social issues into the event. He eagerly accepted, saying, “Yes, of course, we can do that.” He also revealed that Milan had approached him to help make the 2026 Winter Olympics a more socially conscious event.
“There are so many opportunities right in front of us. We just need to approach them differently. We’re not sacrificing anything; we’re adding something meaningful,” he remarked, urging leaders to think outside the box and use the global platform of sports to address pressing social issues.
Also present at the meeting were Lamiya Morshed, SDG Coordinator for the Bangladesh government, and Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary.
In his call to action, Prof. Yunus highlighted the untapped potential of sports in shaping a better future, encouraging the world’s leaders to see sports as more than just a game, but as a force for social good.
