MICROCAPITAL EVENT: Dr. Muhammad Yunus Speaks at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on February 4

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, LISNER AUDITORIUM

FEBRUARY 4, 2009

7:00PM

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and founder for Grameen Bank, will be speaking about his latest book, Creating a World Without Poverty, which outlines his vision for a new business model that combines the power of free markets with the quest for a more humane world. “In the last two decades, free markets have swept the globe, bringing with them enormous potential for positive change,” Dr. Yunus explains. “But traditional capitalism cannot solve problems like inequality and poverty, because it is hampered by a narrow view of human nature in which people are one-dimensional beings concerned only with profit. In fact, human beings have many other drives and passions, including the spiritual, the social, and the altruistic.”

Last year, MicroCapital reported when Dr. Yunus spoke out against for-profit microfinance, saying that, “poor people should not be considered an opportunity to make yourself rich.” He stated his belief that MFIs should charge for the cost of borrowing funds, plus ten to 15 percent for operating expense. He argued that MFIs should “look at it from the cost side, not the market,” and develop institutions that are self-sustaining without profiting from the poor.

This event is open to the public. Proceeds of book sales will benefit the Grameen Foundation. Tickets to event are USD 25 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

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