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Runa Khan is the Founder of Friendship, a global changemaker working to bring dignity, healthcare, and education to remote communities in Bangladesh.

Runa Khan

Founder, Friendship

 

Runa Khan – Founder, Friendship – is a globally recognised leader in social innovation. With a deep commitment to dignity, empathy, and inclusion, she has transformed lives in some of the most remote and marginalised communities of Bangladesh through healthcare, education, and sustainable development.

She founded Friendship in 2002, drawing from her broad experience in education, tourism, business, and communication. What started as one floating hospital has now become a full-scale social purpose organisation, impacting over 7.5 million people through services in healthcare, education, climate resilience, inclusive citizenship, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic development.

Runa Khan’s work is deeply rooted in values of empathy, respect, justice, and simple logic. She believes development must always be human-centric and inclusive, ensuring dignity is preserved at every step. Her approach is practical, ethical, and highly effective — leading to award-winning innovations like floating hospitals and solar-powered learning centres. In 2019, she founded Friendship Colours of the Chars, a leading Bangladeshi slow fashion brand featuring products made by women in char communities across international stores.

Runa Khan – Founder Friendship is a Rolex Laureate, Ashoka Fellow, and Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur, and has received global recognition for her work. Her awards include:

  • Rolex Awards for Enterprise (2006)

  • IDB Prize for Women’s Contribution to Development (2008)

  • Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur Award (2012)

  • Green Award by Positive Planet (2016)

Runa Khan is also a published author of eight books — six on pedagogy and two children’s storybooks. She is the Country Chair of Global Dignity Bangladesh, and the Co-chair of Friendship International, which supports Friendship from five European countries.

She has spoken on leading platforms like the World Economic Forum and Harvard Business School, and TEDx, inspiring global audiences to reimagine development with empathy and inclusion.

Runa Khan – Founder Friendship has also been recognised by the World Economic Forum for her leadership in social innovation.

Learn more about Friendship’s impact on communities here.