2026 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Announced, Ceremony in Manila

SINGAPOREAN diplomat and academic Tommy Koh, Bangladeshi social development worker Runa Khan, and Myanmar human rights advocate Bo Kyi have been named recipients of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s premier prize for public service and leadership. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) recognized the three for their contributions to diplomacy, community development, human rights and justice, it said in a statement on Monday. Mr. Koh was recognized for his work in international diplomacy, including his role in negotiations that led to the 1982 adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Ms. Khan was cited for her work with poor and climate-vulnerable communities in Bangladesh through Friendship, which provides healthcare, education, livelihood and disaster-preparedness programs. Mr. Bo Kyi, a former political prisoner, was recognized for documenting political imprisonment and advocating accountability and human rights in Myanmar through the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The awards will be formally presented at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Nov. 15. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is given to individuals and organizations addressing human development issues in Asia through work that contributes to transforming their societies, according to RMAF. It was first awarded in 1958 and has since been conferred on 331 individuals and 28 organizations from 24 Asian countries and territories. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking