Mumbai, September 3: Runa Khan, a prominent social entrepreneur and humanitarian from Bangladesh, has been nominated for the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2026. The announcement was made on August 31, 2026, in Manila, Philippines, and the award ceremony is scheduled for November 15 in Manila. Khan has previously received several accolades, including the Ashoka Fellowship, Rolex Award, and Schwab Foundation recognition.
Khan has made significant contributions by providing healthcare to remote areas lacking road access. She has established mobile schools for children affected by river erosion, ensuring education reaches those in need. Her work focuses on delivering essential services such as health, education, and employment to impoverished communities impacted by climate change.
As the founder and executive director of the organization Friendship, Khan’s initiatives span various sectors, including health, education, climate adaptation, disaster management, civil rights, and cultural preservation. One of her most notable projects is the floating hospital, which transforms old ships into medical facilities that navigate rivers to reach underserved populations.
This hospital is equipped with a team of doctors, an operating theatre, laboratory facilities, and essential medications, providing critical healthcare to those who find it challenging to access traditional hospitals.
Khan began her journey in social work as a teacher in 1979, where she recognized the need for a more engaging educational approach. This experience inspired her to write storybooks and educational materials for children, as well as to advocate for women and artisans.
Born on November 17, 1958, in Bangladesh, Khan pursued higher education in Dhaka and Kolkata. Initially involved in teaching, tourism, and traditional handicrafts, she later dedicated her to assisting marginalized communities.
Friendship, established in 2002, began with a hospital ship delivering health services to remote areas along the Jamuna River. Today, the organization serves approximately 7.5 million people annually across various sectors, including health, education, disaster relief, and economic development.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as “Asia’s Nobel Prize,” was established in 1958 in memory of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. It recognizes extraordinary service and leadership in Asia.