Chief Adviser Holds Meetings with World Leaders at UN Headquarters

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Publish : 24 Sep 2025, 09:13 AM

Photo: Collected

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, held a series of meetings and exchanged views with top global leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session at the UN Headquarters.

Among the leaders he met were the Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, a former President of Chile, and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay. The information was released in a statement from the Chief Adviser's press wing on Tuesday (September 23) night.

Meeting with the Australian Prime Minister

After attending the opening session of the UN General Assembly, Dr. Yunus had a brief exchange with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Their conversation touched on key topics, including the reforms undertaken by the interim government, the upcoming general election in Bangladesh scheduled for February, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia.

Dr. Yunus reiterated his government's commitment to holding the "most transparent and credible election in the country's history." He expressed his hope that international observers would be present to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora, noting their significant role in his own constituency. He also reminisced about his experience attending an event for Language Martyrs' Day on February 21.

Discussion with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

Dr. Yunus later met with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Their discussion focused on expanding health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South.

The two leaders discussed various aspects of innovation in the financial sector, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes. They emphasized the importance of financial inclusion. Dr. Yunus highlighted the urgent need for loans for maternal health, especially during pregnancy. He proposed digital health checks to connect rural women with top medical professionals, a measure he believes could save countless lives. He also called for a restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, suggesting that vaccines produced by "social business drug manufacturers" would remain affordable.

Dr. Yunus extended an invitation for Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh. Princess Catharina-Amalia, the heir apparent to the Dutch throne, was also present during the meeting.

Other Meetings and Engagements

The Chief Adviser also held a meeting with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, to discuss global health issues and common priorities.

Later in the day, Dr. Yunus participated in two other significant events: "Fashion for Development" and another focusing on public-private sector collaboration in social innovation.

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