SDSN Bangladesh Organizes Dialogue on Empathy and Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship
On January 19, 2026, the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Center of the Department of Organization Strategy & Leadership at the University of Dhaka — host institution of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Bangladesh network (SDSN Bangladesh) — organized a discussion on “Empathy and Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship.”
The event brought together young entrepreneurs, researchers, leaders, and students for a timely and reflective exchange on the role of empathy and innovation in shaping responsible entrepreneurship. The session included two distinguished Fulbright Scholars, Mahmood Hussein, Associate Professor of Marketing at San Francisco State University, and Rimi Zakaria, Professor of Management and Chancellor’s Strategy Consultant at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
The event commenced with a formal welcome by Fardin Helal, who introduced the session moderator, Md. Rashedur Rahman, Network Manager of SDSN Bangladesh. In his opening remarks, Mr. Rahman highlighted the growing importance of empathy and innovation in addressing contemporary social, economic, and environmental challenges. He emphasized that entrepreneurship in the modern era must move beyond profit-maximization and actively contribute to sustainable development.
Following the opening remarks, Professor Rimi Zakaria highlighted local innovations and startup initiatives, bridging global best practices and local realities. She underscored the importance of sustainable business models and urged innovators to focus on environmentally responsible and socially feasible solutions. Her talk emphasized that long-term impact requires integrating empathy into both strategy and execution.
Dr. Mahmood Hussein followed with a compelling discussion on Generation Z as the emerging force in innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the idea of creating profit by solving real problems and helping others, drawing attention to opportunities at the bottom of the pyramid. Dr. Hussein concluded with a strong call for the next generation to act as responsible and ethical innovators, capable of balancing financial success with social responsibility.
Representing youth perspectives, Tasfia Tasnim Revu, an institutional alumnus and a postgraduate student of the University of Adelaide, was invited to speak. She emphasized the generational gap as a significant barrier to innovation and growth, particularly in translating ideas into impactful action.
The discussion intensified during the Q&A session, during which participants raised thoughtful and critical questions on decision-making under stress, bridging generational divides, sustainable development, and ethical entrepreneurship. The interactive exchange reflected the high level of engagement among the attendees.
One of the most memorable moments of the session came at its conclusion. Mr. Rahman invited all participants to take a collective pledge for authenticity and empathy. The audience and guests stood together, raised their hands, and pledged to uphold these values in their personal and professional lives — an act that powerfully reinforced the theme of the event.
Attendees expressed strong satisfaction with the depth, relevance, and reflective nature of the discussion, noting the value of such conversations in shaping responsible leadership and innovation for the future.
To learn more about impact initiatives organized by SDSN Bangladesh, visit the Network’s page on the SDSN website.
