Runa Khan
on Alleviating Poverty through Friendship and Compassion
Can you imagine a floating hospital?
Runa Khan not only imagined it. She made this wild vision a reality.
The spark in her eyes, the confidence in her words, and the kindness in her energy set her apart. Born into a privileged elite family as a descendant of Jamindars, Runa couldn’t help but open her soul to the whispers and struggles of rural poverty. She began by writing children's stories, hoping to inspire them to imagine a different world, and later worked with UNICEF and Ashoka, training schoolteachers in Bangladesh in her innovative novel pedagogy.
Runa had a passion for listening to people, understanding their needs, and creating solutions: "You are as rich as you can do without. If you have money in your pocket but still crave more, you’re poor. There is poverty in suffering. There is poverty in being hopeless. Poverty is not just about having food in your stomach. It’s also about nourishing your inner capital.”
Her focus soon shifted to one of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable communities: the char dwellers. These remote island communities, living on shifting riverbanks, are highly vulnerable to floods and erosion. Cut off from education, healthcare, and essential services, their untapped potential remained hidden. Too many thought it impossible to help these communities until Runa accepted the challenge with resilience and bravery.
When she met sailor and explorer Yves Marre, she didn’t just find love, but also a higher purpose: “I asked if I could take over his ship and do something for my community. I had no experience with NGOs, had never been on a ship, or worked in a hospital. But I was ready to take the risk. No one believed I could do it.” With a blessing from Mother Teresa, the idea for a floating hospital became a reality, and so, Friendship NGO, Runa’s SPO or social purpose organization, was born: “I never wanted to create a big organization. I just wanted a good one that benefitted every life it touched. That is my satisfaction.”
Friendship NGO pioneered floating healthcare and integrated services to climate-impacted communities. They also deliver mobile schools and education, portable libraries, refugee support, women empowerment and climate adaptation services to the most vulnerable areas in the world. Runa has been recognized with numerous awards, including the European Women’s International Leadership Award and the ROLEX Award for Enterprise. She serves as a key decision-maker for organizations like The Club of Rome, Global Dignity, British Asian Trust Bangladesh, and One Sustainable Health FORUM.
Read Runa Khan’s insightful reflections for Inspirators and madly believe in yourself: “Do not compromise on what your heart tells you. Do not sell yourself short. Do not let external forces make your decisions.”
Thank you, Runa, for being a Kind Friend!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Runa Khan
Company / Institution: Friendship
Title: Social Entrepreneur, Mother, Author, Keynote Speaker
Website: www.friendship.ngo
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/runakhan/?originalSubdomain=bd
Country of origin: Bangladesh
Country you currently live in: Bangladesh
Your definition of Regeneration: Regeneration is about healing. Not just our planet but also our communities, societies we live in, and ourselves. It's the idea of creating systems that nurture both people and nature holistically. Where societies have opportunities and decision-making capacities, where they can live with dignity and with hope, based on being driven by values and conscience. Where nature, society, economy, and all stakeholders thrive together in harmony and respect for each other. For this to happen one needs a deep political and social environment enabling one to live without fear, knowing there is justice.
Main business challenge you face: Creating sustainable solutions of life and livelihood for communities that are continually displaced by climate change while ensuring their dignity and hope are nurtured by themselves and others around them. It’s about balancing immediate needs with long-term resilience. The challenge of scaling these solutions is finding a just way of working for all stakeholders and maintaining the core values of integrity, justice, trust and empathy. This is critical.
Main driver that keeps you going: Hope and trust in the goodness of humanity. The resilience I witness in people who have lost so much but are still able to rebuild their lives over and over again.
The communities we serve inspire me endlessly. Also, when I see colleagues and friends deeply imbuing within themselves the values we constantly strive to work with.
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: Strive to remain, keep to, and do actions according to my values and conscience. My capacity to take risks when necessary and challenge the status quo without losing sight of the larger purpose. Reach for the stars or perfection but, at the same time, keep my feet deep into the mud/the reality.
The trait you most value in others: Conscious-driven actions, transparency, authenticity, morality, humility and learning. A willingness to work with dedication selflessly, putting the greater good above personal benefit.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: Finding verity and commitment in people. Simple acts of kindness, moments of authenticity, and seeing the positive impact of small actions bring me quiet joy and fulfilment.
The Inspirators who determined you to take the regenerative path:
My parents. Their values of character have made me who I am and instilled within me a deep sense of commitment and purpose and have given me the ability to do without if it is contrary to my character or conscience. You are as rich as you can do without!
A starting point for companies or professionals that are beginning the regeneration journey: There must be a deep sense of commitment and vision. Start small but start sincerely. Look beyond the immediate results, focus on creating a long-term impact that integrates social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Do not make decisions on negativity inciting harm for any stakeholder even if it strengthens you. Growth must be on positivity, thus actions also on positivity. This can happen and can be done. It is not an idea, it’s the fundamental belief and way for decision-making.
Most used and abused clichés in sustainability that bother you: Innovation, financial sustainability and entrepreneurship - and when someone says a certain system is ‘the panacea’ for economy or society. Buzzwords without meaningful action bother me.
‘Going green’, ‘net zero’ or ‘degrowth’ without understanding the deep shifts in behavior and systems that true sustainability requires.
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope: Believe in the inherent goodness of humanity. Though the world can seem chaotic, people are capable of kindness and change. Hope isn’t something to wait for, it’s something to nurture. Small acts of goodness, when done with purpose, lead to larger transformations.
Books that had a great impact on you / Must-Reads for any regenerative professional:
The Philosophy of Chuang Tzu, The Quran, and Vedanta Treatise have been aspirational books for me.
The Treatise has played a strong role in my personal growth, offering profound insights into understanding myself and the world around me.
Myths and fairytales from around the world, always give deep insights into understanding particular civilizations, society and people-revealing deep truths about cultures and histories, touching on deep fears, joys, and beliefs.
I love reading historical books especially those of John Bagot Glubb. Spirituality also such as Futuh AL Gayeb by Hazrat Abdul Quadir Gilani, or simple books like Muslim Saints and Mystics. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Prophet by Khalil Gibran and works by Paul Brunton and P.D. Ouspensky, especially The Life of Evan Osokin, The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell and the writings of Hermann Hesse, all left a profound impact in my life and perhaps added to my regeneration.
Movies / Documentaries you would watch all over again: Documentaries by Sir David Attenborough, which beautifully showcase the delicate balance of nature and our role in protecting it.
Also, Star Trek! It has a vision of a future where humanity has overcome many of its divisions, and it’s fun! I’m also drawn to the History Channel, which provides valuable insights into the pattern of human behaviour. These films and series remind us of both the wonders of the natural world and the potential of human innovation and cooperation.
Chariots of Fire and Lord of the Rings have also left an indelible mark.
Websites / Podcasts you visit frequently: World Economic Forum, which offers valuable insights into global issues and the perspectives of world leaders.
I also frequently visit Ground News, which provides international news with a focus on political affiliations.
Independent news like the Guardian. The Economist I find insightful. And for overall current issues, I find, BBC to be a reliable source, and I am always following current Bangladesh news media channels to stay up to date.
I like many platforms like ProPublica, which gives independent international news, and, of course, Devex for news of the humanitarian sector.
Music that makes you (and your heart) sing: Indian classical music and Western classical music, particularly opera! I love operas! The richness and emotion in both genres resonate deeply with me, offering a sense of peace and connection.
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: The green rice fields and villages and of Bangladesh are peaceful and comforting, a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of rural life! The places I love the most are the rivers and char islands, where a life of resilience and harmony and constant adaption to nature’s challenges is seen daily.
The mountains of Europe and Himalayas. Norway, with its majestic fjords, Paris, with its timeless charm, and Rome, with its rich history, have also left a deep impression. Each place carries its own unique blend of culture, nature, and history that continues to inspire me.
Global Regenerative Voices you recommend us to follow:
Mother Teresa
Nelson Mandela
Angela Merkel
Young voices who bring sudden atypical thoughts and ideas for the world.
Trends in Regeneration we should keep an eye on: The conscience and actions of the young generation are driving significant change. They are increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of social, environmental and economic issues, and they are not afraid to challenge outdated systems. Through activism and technology, they are reshaping sustainability, demanding corporate responsibility, and building global movements, signaling a shift towards more inclusive, transparent, and collaborative approaches to regeneration.
Events we should attend / Best places for networking (online or offline): Networking is, in reality, your own ability to find some advantage in any given setting. If the event is of interest to you, you can find people, knowledge or partners in it. The World Economic Forum offers a global platform for leaders to discuss sustainability and regenerative solutions, while biodiversity conferences bring together experts focused on preserving ecosystems.
Music concerts and other artistic venues, on the other hand, provide creative spaces where diverse minds can connect, fostering unique collaborations that blend art, culture, and sustainability. These places allow for both formal and informal exchanges that spark new ideas and partnerships.
However, it's important to avoid overcommitting to too many forums. Staying focused on a select few while prioritising your work on the ground will give you the credibility and operational excellence needed to make the most of these platforms and propel your cause forward. One may quite easily be caught in speaking and not doing. Knowledge from academicians and scientists is important, but it's also essential to learn from those who face real-life challenges. The actors and their voices and experiences should also be used as lessons - equally important.
Impactful and relevant Sustainable Development or Regeneration courses or certifications: Courses as from Harvard University provide cutting-edge insights into sustainability and leadership, equipping individuals with the tools to address global challenges and create meaningful impact. On the other hand, spiritual meditation courses foster inner peace and self-awareness, helping leaders cultivate the resilience and clarity needed to navigate complex issues with compassion and focus.
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030: Youth and the growth of consciousness are powerful forces driving change. The younger generation is becoming more mindful, not only of environmental sustainability but also of social justice, inclusivity, and ethical leadership. They are more connected to global issues than ever before, advocating for long-term solutions and holding institutions accountable.
This shift toward mindfulness and purpose-driven action strengthens my beliefs of a more sustainable and equitable future. Independent journalism also gives me hope for a better tomorrow, alongside the proactiveness of the youth in dismantling propaganda and fake news on social media. Their growing tendency to verify information before sharing it ensures that for every narrative, there is now a counter-narrative, creating a more balanced and informed public discourse.
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030: All goals for the betterment of the world seem to prioritise actions only. Human character needs as deep a nurturing as does academic knowledge. I am also quite scared of the hold and control of corrupt politicians and the lobbying from the ultra-rich. 0.1%, the most powerful, continue to prioritise short-term gains instead of sustainability of the human race and the planet. I feel pessimistic every time I witness growth of inequality, and total unawareness of the importance of developing consciously ethical human character.
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: Verity, compassion, and, most importantly, the art of listening! Truly hearing and interpreting, including understanding body language and unspoken emotions. Leaders must develop the ability to listen deeply, not just to words, but to the underlying needs and concerns of individuals and communities, fostering trust and empathy in their decision-making. Lastly, 'walking the talk' is no longer enough. Actions must be consistently exemplified and reinforced. Continuously doing and embodying these values must become a fundamental part of who you are as a leader. One must exemplify throughout his or her life, what she or he “talks”. Then only can trust be maintained.
The Inspirator(s) you are endorsing for a future edition:
Princess Esmeralda de Rethy
Marc Elvinger
Angela Merkel
Dorothee Ter Kulve
The quote that inspires you:
I love the teachings of Chuang Tzu, Buddha, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)!
"Trust in God, but tie your camel first." (Prophet Mohammed - PBUH)
Your quote that will inspire us:
“People can live in poverty, but they cannot live without dignity, and they cannot live without hope.”
