Professor Muhammad Yunus (born 28 June 1940) is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, economist and Nobel laureate, best known for pioneering the concept of micro‑credit and micro‑finance. In 1983, he founded the Grameen Bank, a community‑based organization that provides small, collateral‑free loans to the rural poor, especially women, enabling them to start small businesses and lift themselves out of poverty.
Yunus’s innovative approach demonstrated that the poor are creditworthy and can become agents of their own development. The success of Grameen Bank sparked a global micro‑finance movement, influencing policies and institutions worldwide. In recognition of his efforts to create economic and social development from below, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, shared with the Grameen Bank.
Beyond Grameen, Yunus has authored several books on social business, founded the Yunus Centre, and continues to advocate for sustainable, inclusive economic models that prioritize human welfare over profit.