Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Yunus speaks at Springfield, MO

Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Yunus will speak about “Social Business: Business to make a difference,” at the Missouri State University Spring Public Affairs Convocation Lecture at 7 p.m. March 2 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.



Yunus is a 2009 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and managing director of Grameen Bank. Yunus and Grameen were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.



According to The Norwegian Nobel Committee, Yunus and Grameen Bank were awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize “for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. Lasting peace cannot be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty. Microcredit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights.”



Grameen, under Yunus’ leadership, is noted as the first bank to offer microcredit (also commonly called microloans) to poor people without any collateral. This economic theory is now used extensively throughout developing countries to address poverty.



“I am extremely pleased that Professor Muhammad Yunus has accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker for the Spring Public Affairs Convocation series,” said Dr. Mahua Barari Mitra, provost fellow for public affairs, chair of the Public Affairs Conference and professor of economics. “It is hard for me to think of any other public figure in recent memory who has been as passionate about eliminating global poverty as Professor Yunus.



“Visionary as he is, Professor Yunus has repeatedly come up with innovative ideas, primarily by pioneering the micro-finance revolution, to create a poverty-free world. He is a real world hero who exemplifies our public affairs mission to the fullest. In the wake of the current financial crisis, let us hope that Professor Yunus’ vision will inspire a new generation of social entrepreneurs who will make this planet a better place for all.”



Grameen Bank has reversed conventional banking practice by removing the need for collateral and created a banking system based on mutual trust, accountability, participation and creativity, according to the bank’s website. The bank uses credit as a weapon to fight poverty and it serves as a catalyst in the overall development of socio-economic conditions of the poor.



As of last December, Grameen reports that it has 7.97 million borrowers, 97 percent of whom are women. With 2,562 branches, the bank provides services in 83,458 villages, covering all villages in Bangladesh.



“Professor Yunus’s experience with economics, finance, international affairs, entrepreneurship and human rights issues are a wonderful fit for this year’s theme, ‘Evolving Economic Realities,’” said Mary Ann Wood, director of public affairs support. “He also embodies the university’s public affairs mission.”



Admission to the lecture is free, but requires a ticket.



* Tickets are available to MSU students, faculty and staff Feb. 8 and 9. Tickets will be available to the public starting Feb. 10.

* Tickets must be picked up in advance as there will not be a Will Call window open for this event.



* Tickets are available at Missouri State Tix outlets: JQH Arena, Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and the Plaster Student Union ticket office.

* Tickets may be ordered through the ticket office by calling (417) 836-7678, but a $5 shipping and handling fee will apply.

* Parking will be free, but attendees should plan to carpool if possible. Classes will be in session at Missouri State University this day.