Microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus speaks at the University of Virginia, sharing a central message that in working together we can change the world. Mr. Yunus established Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, reaching out to people traditional banks don't deem creditworthy. Grameen Bank now serves more than 8 million people through 'microloans' totalling about $1 billion a year.
Mr. Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. In August 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama presented him with the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Muhammad Yunus visited the University of Virginia at the invitation of Gowher Rizvi, a longtime friend. Mr. Rizvi is vice provost for international programs at the University of Virginia.
