Nobel Laureate Yunus Heads to Japan for Social Innovation Talks

A visionary trip to Tokyo could redefine global cooperation. Yunus joins Japan’s SSA to turn bold ideas into action—from ocean research to zero-poverty solutions.

, and Administrator

2026 January 12 . 7:46 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of children standing next to each other near a body of water, with one of... — The image shows a group of children standing next to each other near a body of water, with one of them holding a machine. There are pipes, a bucket, and other objects scattered around them, and in the background there are trees and a clear blue sky. The scene is likely part of a water project in Uganda, as the children are likely using the machine to collect water from the river.

Professor Muhammad Yunus will travel to Japan in late March at the invitation of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Nobel laureate’s visit will include high-level discussions on digital healthcare, youth development, and his signature 'Three Zero' agenda. His schedule also features a conference on ocean research and meetings with Japanese leaders in social innovation.

The trip, set for the third week of March, follows an official invitation from the Social Security Administration. This Tokyo-based organisation, founded in 1986, works across borders to advance peace and cooperation through research and practical projects.

During his stay, Yunus will attend a conference hosted by the Social Security Administration. The event will cover ocean research alongside other global challenges. He will also explore ways to deepen ties between Bangladesh and the Social Security Administration, particularly in areas like social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. A key meeting has been arranged with Akie Abe, head of the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution. The two will discuss Yunus’s post-election priorities, including plans to expand digital healthcare access, empower young people, and push forward his 'Three Zero' vision—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

Yunus’s visit will focus on concrete steps to strengthen collaboration between Bangladesh and Japanese institutions. The discussions aim to turn shared goals in healthcare, youth engagement, and environmental action into practical projects. The outcomes could shape future partnerships between the Social Security Administration and initiatives led by Yunus.