Understanding the Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious international awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward promoting peace, reducing conflict, and advancing human rights globally. Unlike other Nobel Prizes, the Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, reflecting its unique mission and historical roots.
Key Facts About the Prize
- Established: The prize was created through the 1895 will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel and was first awarded in 1901.
- Purpose: It recognizes those who have done the most to promote fraternity between nations, reduce standing armies, or advance peace congresses.
- Awarding Body: The prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting).
- Ceremony: The award ceremony occurs annually on December 10, commemorating Alfred Nobel’s death.
- Most Awarded: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has won the award three times (1917, 1944, 1963).
Recent Nobel Peace Prize Laureates
| Year | Laureate(s) | Reason for Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Nihon Hidankyo (Japan) | For efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and demonstrating that nuclear weapons must never be used again. |
| 2023 | Narges Mohammadi (Iran) | For fighting oppression of women in Iran and promoting human rights and freedom for all. |
| 2022 | Ales Bialiatski (Belarus), Memorial (Russia), Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine) | For promoting citizens’ rights, documenting war crimes, and defending fundamental human rights. |
| 2021 | Maria Ressa (Philippines), Dmitry Muratov (Russia) | For safeguarding freedom of expression, essential for democracy and lasting peace. |
| 2020 | World Food Programme (WFP) | For combating hunger and improving conditions for peace in conflict-affected regions. |
The Nomination and Selection Process
The Nobel Peace Prize follows a confidential, multi-step selection process that takes around eight months.
| Who Can Nominate? | Rules & Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Members of national assemblies and governments of sovereign states. | Self-nominations are not allowed. |
| University professors (history, social sciences, law, philosophy, theology, religion). | Nomination deadline is February 1 of the award year. |
| Previous Nobel Peace Prize laureates. | All nominations are kept secret for 50 years. |
| Members of international courts of law. | Nomination does not guarantee endorsement. |
| Other select individuals as per committee rules. | The Norwegian Nobel Committee decides the winner by majority vote. |
Why the Nobel Peace Prize Matters
The Nobel Peace Prize has historically recognized those who drive global change, advocate for human rights, and act as catalysts for international harmony. From individuals fighting oppression to organizations providing humanitarian aid, the prize continues to highlight the most impactful contributors to global peace.