Runa Khan is the Founder of Friendship, an International Social Purpose Organisation established in 2002. Friendship works for the most vulnerable and remote communities in Bangladesh for Saving Lives, Poverty Alleviation, Climate Adaptation and Empowerment, bringing direct services to 7.5 million lives a year.

Her awards include European Women’s International Leadership Award (2023), Green Award (2016), Social Entrepreneur Award by IsDB (2008), Rolex Award for Enterprise (2006), Ashoka fellowship and Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur award.

She is also a member of Club of Rome, board member of Global Dignity, Advisory Council member of British Asian Trust Bangladesh, Grand Jury member of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, Honorary President of the One Sustainable Health Forum Approach, and an Honorary Trustee of Duke of Edinburgh Award Bangladesh.