Hakimun Nessa, the first woman from Bangladesh’s tourism city Cox’s Bazar, received the United Nations Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN-DRR) Rising Star Award 2025.
The prestigious honour was presented at a grand ceremony held at the United Nations Convention Center (UNCC) in Bangkok. Until now, no woman from Bangladesh has been nominated or selected for the UN DRR Rising Star Award. Hakimun Nessa’s recognition marks the first time a Bangladeshi woman has represented the country on the WIN-DRR Rising Star Award list, bringing pride and international acclaim to Bangladesh. She received warm congratulations and encouragement from representatives of various countries during the event.
At the ceremony, Hakimun Nessa wore a traditional saree symbolising Bangladeshi women. The award recognises her exceptional contributions to disaster risk reduction, gender-equitable development, and community resilience.
Under her organisation, Women’s Service and Youth Development Organization (WEIDO), she has been leading initiatives on post-disaster infrastructure reconstruction, women’s inclusive development, and economic empowerment. Her leadership has played a vital role in promoting women’s rights and disaster resilience across Cox’s Bazar.
Speaking emotionally after receiving the award, she said, “This achievement is not just mine — it is a historic honour for Bangladesh, particularly for Cox’s Bazar. It shows the world that our region is full of talent. Being recognised with the UN DRR WIN Disaster Risk Reduction Rising Star Leadership Award 2025 is deeply meaningful for me.”
She added that the recognition by UNDRR, ESCAP, and the international jury has inspired her to continue working towards building a safer, inclusive, and resilient society in the years ahead.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
