Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Runa Khan Wins 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Service
Runa Khan is a social worker and organization leader from Bangladesh.
She founded a group called Friendship in 2002.
Friendship helps people who are difficult to reach and supports their ability to live with dignity and hope.
Khan has led this work for more than 20 years.
She has now won the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
This is a major award for people making important changes in Asia.
The ceremony will take place in Manila, Philippines, on November 15.
Khan has also started other projects and written eight books.
She has received several awards for helping communities and supporting development.
Friendship founder Runa Khan has been named a recipient of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
The award recognizes her more than two decades of leadership developing locally led solutions for marginalized communities.
Khan established the international social purpose organization Friendship in 2002 and serves as its executive director.
The formal award ceremony is scheduled for November 15 in Manila, Philippines.
Khan has also received honors including the Rolex Award for Enterprise and the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur Award.
- Who
- Runa Khan, founder and executive director of the Bangladesh-based NGO Friendship.
- What
- She was named a recipient of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
- When
- The formal award ceremony will be held on November 15, 2026.
- Where
- The ceremony will take place in Manila, Philippines.
- Why
- She was honored for more than two decades of leadership in developing locally led solutions that give marginalized communities greater opportunity, dignity and hope.
- Award
- 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award
- Organization
- Friendship
- Organization founded
- 2002
- Ceremony
- November 15 in Manila, Philippines
- Previous honors
- Rolex Award for Enterprise, DB Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development, Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur Award, and Green Award by Positive Planet
- Books authored
- Eight books: six on pedagogy and two children’s storybooks
- Bangladesh recipients
- Khan is described as the 14th Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient from Bangladesh