A group of prominent global leaders met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in New York on Friday, expressing unanimous support for him and Bangladesh’s interim government during this pivotal phase of political transition.

The meeting, which took place at Prof Yunus’s hotel suite on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly, was led by former Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, who also serves as co-chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC).

According to Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the delegation offered their expertise and pledged assistance to support Bangladesh as it prepares for its upcoming general elections scheduled for February.

The high-level gathering brought together an impressive array of former heads of state, foreign ministers, senior diplomats and global thought leaders.

Among them were former presidents and prime ministers from Europe, Africa and the Balkans, including Borut Pahor of Slovenia, Boris Tadić of Serbia, Egils Levits of Latvia, Charles Michel of Belgium, George Papandreou of Greece, Rosen Plevneliev and Petar Stoyanov of Bulgaria, Ivo Josipović of Croatia, Mladen Ivanić of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius.

Also in attendance were a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, four former Presidents of UN General Assembly, and several former foreign ministers.

The delegation included representatives from major global institutions such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

Ismail Serageldin, former Vice President of World Bank and NGIC co-chair and Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, also took part in the meeting.

The leaders praised Professor Yunus for his lifelong dedication to eradicating poverty, empowering marginalized communities and promoting social justice.

They lauded Bangladesh’s recent progress under his interim leadership, while acknowledging the immense challenges the country faces after what they described as 16 years of misrule, corruption and exploitation.

Several of them offered direct assistance to support the government’s efforts in democratic reform, institutional rebuilding, and economic recovery.

One of the leaders expressed the group’s collective sentiment, stating, “We’re here to support you and the people of Bangladesh. We are fully behind you.”

Another added, “Whatever guidance or support you need; just let us know. There is so much to be done.”

Kerry Kennedy, who recently visited Bangladesh, commended the country’s advancements in human rights, describing them as “extraordinary.”

Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, announced that the institute would soon formally declare its support for the July Revolution in Bangladesh. Ismail Serageldin added, “If you need us, we are here for you.”

Visibly moved by the overwhelming show of support, Professor Yunus expressed his deep gratitude.

“This is totally unexpected. To see you come together like this in support of us; it’s unbelievable. I’m truly touched,” he said.

Reflecting on the enormity of the challenge facing the country, he likened the past years to surviving a natural disaster.

“This country has been through a 15-year-long earthquake. Its magnitude was 9 on the Richter scale,” he remarked.

Prof Yunus also spoke of the high public expectations his administration is grappling with.

“People expect miracles overnight, despite our limited resources. But we must also fulfill the dreams of our youth; they are looking for a new Bangladesh.”

Also present at the meeting was Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs.