Hakimun Nessa Bappy, Chief Executive of the Women Aid & Youth Development Organization (WAYDO), has been named a WIN DRR Finalist Award 2025 by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) – Asia Pacific, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh. She is the first Bangladeshi woman to receive global recognition for her contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

The award was presented at the UN Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok by Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator and Chair. The recognition underscores Bappy’s leadership in advancing community-based, inclusive, and locally led DRR initiatives in one of the country’s most disaster-prone regions.

For years, Bappy has worked to strengthen DRR awareness and community resilience in Cox’s Bazar, with a focus on women, youth, persons with disabilities, and crisis-affected families. Her unwavering commitment has earned her the title “DRR Lady of Cox’s Bazar.”

Under her leadership, WAYDO has implemented a wide range of programmes, including resilience building, disaster preparedness, capacity development, and women’s leadership promotion in vulnerable communities.

After receiving the award, Bappy said:

“It is always an honour to represent Bangladesh on a global platform. This recognition is a significant achievement for the country. The challenges we face while working at the grassroots in Cox’s Bazar make this honour even more meaningful.”

She added that the international recognition will inspire her to continue working toward building safer, more inclusive, and more resilient communities.

Following the announcement, people from Cox’s Bazar and across the country congratulated her on social media, describing the achievement as a milestone for women’s leadership, grassroots development, and the DRR sector in Bangladesh.

Residents of Cox’s Bazar expressed pride, saying they believe Bappy will continue to represent Bangladesh on global platforms in the years ahead.