# Muhammad Yunus

> Bangladeshi banker, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the former Chief Adviser of Bangladesh

**Wikidata**: [Q43969](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43969)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Yunus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/muhammad-yunus

## Summary
Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi banker, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and former Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, best known as the founder of Grameen Bank, a microfinance organization that revolutionized banking in developing nations. His work in microfinance has lifted millions out of poverty and earned him global recognition.

## Biography
- Born: June 28, 1940, in Chittagong, British India (now Bangladesh)
- Nationality: Bangladeshi
- Education:
  - Bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Dhaka
  - Master's degree in economics from Vanderbilt University
  - PhD in economics from the University of Colorado
- Known for: Pioneering microfinance through Grameen Bank and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize
- Employer(s):
  - Grameen Bank (founder and CEO)
  - University of Dhaka (professor)
  - Vanderbilt University (professor)
  - University of Colorado (professor)
- Field(s): Economics, banking, microfinance, entrepreneurship

## Contributions
- **Grameen Bank**: Founded in 1983, Grameen Bank provides microloans to the poorest segments of society, empowering millions of women and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh and beyond. It has lent over $1 billion and has branches in 15 countries.
- **Microfinance Model**: Developed a sustainable banking model that prioritizes community development and financial inclusion, earning international acclaim.
- **Nobel Peace Prize**: Awarded in 2006 for his work in microfinance, which has been credited with reducing global poverty.
- **Yunus Centre**: Established in 2006 to promote social business and sustainable development, focusing on poverty alleviation and social entrepreneurship.
- **Publications**: Authored numerous academic papers and books on microfinance, economics, and social entrepreneurship.

## FAQs
**What is Muhammad Yunus most famous for?**
Muhammad Yunus is most famous for founding Grameen Bank, a microfinance institution that has lifted millions out of poverty through small loans to the poorest segments of society. His work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

**Where did Muhammad Yunus study?**
Muhammad Yunus earned a Bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Dhaka, a Master's degree from Vanderbilt University, and a PhD from the University of Colorado.

**What awards has Muhammad Yunus received?**
Muhammad Yunus has received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, the World Food Prize, and the Volvo Environment Prize, among others.

**What is the Yunus Centre?**
The Yunus Centre, established in 2006, is an organization that promotes social business and sustainable development. It focuses on poverty alleviation, social entrepreneurship, and community development.

**How has Muhammad Yunus influenced microfinance?**
Muhammad Yunus revolutionized microfinance by developing a sustainable banking model that prioritizes community development and financial inclusion. His work with Grameen Bank has been credited with reducing global poverty.

## Why They Matter
Muhammad Yunus has had a profound impact on global poverty alleviation and economic development. His microfinance model, pioneered through Grameen Bank, has empowered millions of women and entrepreneurs, particularly in Bangladesh and other developing nations. His work has been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize, making him one of the most influential figures in the fight against poverty. The Yunus Centre continues his legacy by promoting social business and sustainable development, furthering his mission of poverty alleviation and social entrepreneurship.

## Notable For
- **Founder of Grameen Bank**: Revolutionized microfinance and lifted millions out of poverty.
- **Nobel Peace Prize Recipient**: Awarded in 2006 for his work in microfinance.
- **Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner**: Recognized for his contributions to community development.
- **Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Winner**: Awarded for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
- **World Food Prize Winner**: Recognized for his impact on global food security.
- **Volvo Environment Prize Winner**: Awarded for his environmental and social initiatives.
- **Yunus Centre Founder**: Promotes social business and sustainable development.
- **University Professor**: Taught at the University of Dhaka, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Colorado.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Muhammad Yunus was born on June 28, 1940, in Chittagong, British India (now Bangladesh). He earned a Bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Dhaka, a Master's degree from Vanderbilt University, and a PhD from the University of Colorado. His academic background laid the foundation for his later work in economics and banking.

### Career and Grameen Bank
Muhammad Yunus began his career as a banker and economist, working in various institutions before founding Grameen Bank in 1983. Grameen Bank was the first microfinance institution in the world, providing small loans to the poorest segments of society. The bank's success was based on Yunus's belief that financial inclusion could empower individuals and communities.

### Microfinance Revolution
Under Yunus's leadership, Grameen Bank grew rapidly, lending over $1 billion and establishing branches in 15 countries. The bank's model prioritized community development and financial inclusion, earning international acclaim. Yunus's work has been credited with reducing global poverty and inspiring similar initiatives worldwide.

### Awards and Recognition
Muhammad Yunus has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, the World Food Prize, and the Volvo Environment Prize. These awards recognize his significant contributions to poverty alleviation, social entrepreneurship, and community development.

### Yunus Centre and Legacy
In 2006, Muhammad Yunus established the Yunus Centre to promote social business and sustainable development. The centre focuses on poverty alleviation, social entrepreneurship, and community development, continuing Yunus's mission of empowering individuals and communities.

### Publications and Influence
Muhammad Yunus has authored numerous academic papers and books on microfinance, economics, and social entrepreneurship. His writings have influenced policymakers, economists, and social entrepreneurs worldwide. His work continues to shape the field of microfinance and poverty alleviation.

### Teaching and Mentorship
Throughout his career, Muhammad Yunus has taught at the University of Dhaka, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Colorado. He has mentored countless students and professionals, inspiring them to pursue careers in economics, banking, and social entrepreneurship.

### Global Impact
Muhammad Yunus's work has had a global impact, inspiring similar initiatives in developing nations. His microfinance model has been adopted and adapted by organizations worldwide, furthering the goal of financial inclusion and poverty alleviation.

### Legacy and Continuing Work
Muhammad Yunus remains actively involved in his work, continuing to advocate for social business and sustainable development. His legacy is carried forward by the Yunus Centre and the countless individuals and organizations he has inspired. His work continues to make a significant impact on global poverty and economic development.

## References

1. Davos 2014 Participant List
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. La Trobe University user database
5. [The Nobel Peace Prize 2006. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2006/summary/)
6. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
7. [Profile: Dr. Muhammad Yunus. 2006](http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2006/10/14/profile-dr-muhammad-yunus/)
8. [CV of Professor Muhammad Yunus. Yunus Centre](http://www.muhammadyunus.org/About-Professor-Yunus/cv-of-professor-muhammad-yunus/)
9. [Volvo environment prize 2003 recognices efforts to alleviate poverty. AB Volvo. 2003](https://news.cision.com/ab-volvo/r/volvo-environment-prize-2003-recognices-efforts-to-alleviate-poverty,c81821)
10. [Muhammad Yunus to receive Vanderbilt’s Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal; 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner will speak during Senior Class Day May 10. Vanderbilt University. 2007](https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2007/03/12/muhammad-yunus-to-receive-vanderbilts-nichols-chancellors-medal-2006-nobel-peace-prize-winner-will-speak-during-senior-class-day-may-10-58696/)
11. [Source](http://www.muhammadyunus.org/About-Professor-Yunus/cv-of-professor-muhammad-yunus/)
12. [MUHAMMAD YUNUSY SU VISIÓN DE LA POBREZA. National University of San Marcos. 2010](http://www.unmsm.edu.pe/noticias/ver/1220)
13. [Presidente García: Muhammad Yunus es un ´peregrino de la humildad´. Radio Programas del Perú. 2010](https://rpp.pe/politica/actualidad/presidente-garcia-muhammad-yunus-es-un-peregrino-de-la-humildad-noticia-298447)
14. [Chávez condecoró a Muhammad Yunus con orden "Libertador" en primera clase. 2007](http://www.eluniversal.com/2007/05/11/pol_ava_chavez-condecoro-a-m_11A867309)
15. [Muhammad YUNUS [ Grand Prize 2001 ]. Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize](http://fukuoka-prize.org/en/laureate/prize/gra/yunus.php)
16. [Yunus Prof. Muhammad](https://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/insigniti/313848)
17. [Source](https://www.uv.es/uvweb/transparencia-uv/es/personas/reconocimientos/doctores-honoris-causa/doctores-honoris-causa-siglo-xxi/fecha-investidura/acto-investidura-doctor-honoris-causa-del-excm-sr-dr-muhammad-yunus-1285924692509/Honoris.html?id=1285878813517)
18. [Mr Muhammad Yunus. University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/university-archives/honorary-awards/y/mr-muhammad-yunus.pdf)
19. [House & Senate Leaders Announce Gold Medal Ceremony for Professor Muhammad Yunus. Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. 2013](https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/house-senate-leaders-announce-gold-medal-ceremony-professor-muhammad-yunus)
20. [President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients. WhiteHouse.gov. 2009](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-names-medal-freedom-recipients)
21. [Source](http://forusa.org/about/awards)
22. [Source](https://sydneypeacefoundation.org.au/sydney-peace-prize/page/2/)
23. [2025 TIME100: The 100 Most Influential People of 2025. Time. 2025](https://time.com/collections/100-most-influential-people-2025/)
24. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20190618113753/http://www.aleqt.com/2009/05/01/article_107052.html)
25. International Standard Name Identifier
26. Virtual International Authority File
27. CiNii Research
28. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
29. Davos 2013 Participant List
30. Davos 2015 Participant List
31. Davos 2016 Participant List
32. Davos 2017 Participant List
33. WGS 2016 speaker list
34. CONOR.SI
35. Autoritats UB
36. BBC Things
37. LIBRIS. 2012