Runa Khan Wins 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award

Runa Khan, the founder and executive director of Friendship, a non-governmental organisation based in Bangladesh, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award. This prestigious honour is considered Asia's premier prize and highest honour, often described as the 'Nobel Prize of Asia'. The formal award ceremony will be held on November 15 in Manila, Philippines.

Khan has been recognised for her leadership in developing locally led solutions that empower marginalised communities to live with greater opportunity, dignity, and hope. Her work with Friendship, which she established in 2002, has been instrumental in providing equal opportunities to people who are hard to reach and unaddressed.

Before founding Friendship, Khan co-founded Contic, a tourism company that offers cruises on renovated traditional wooden boats. She also established the boutique Mearee in Dhaka to support indigenous artisans and create wider markets for ethnic crafts. Khan has been invited to speak at various national and international platforms, sharing her expertise and experiences.

Over the years, Khan has received several honours for her work, including the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2006, the DB Prize for Women's Contribution to Development in 2008, the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur Award in 2012, and the Green Award by Positive Planet in 2016. She is also a published author of eight books, six on pedagogy and two children's storybooks.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award recognises 'greatness of spirit' and transformative leadership across the region. Khan's win makes her the 14th recipient of the award from Bangladesh, following notable figures such as Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Khan's work with Friendship has focused on developing innovative solutions to address the needs of marginalised communities. Her organisation has worked tirelessly to provide education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to those who need it most.

The recognition of Khan's work is a testament to the impact that she has had on the lives of countless individuals and communities. Her dedication to empowering marginalised communities is an inspiration to many, and her win is a well-deserved acknowledgement of her tireless efforts.

The 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award ceremony will be a celebration of Khan's achievements and a recognition of her contributions to the region. It will also serve as a reminder of the importance of empowering marginalised communities and promoting dignity and hope for all.

In conclusion, Runa Khan's win is a significant milestone in her journey as a social entrepreneur and a testament to the power of transformative leadership. Her work with Friendship continues to inspire and empower marginalised communities, and her recognition as a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner is a well-deserved honour.