Every year, the Nobel Peace Prize honors individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to peace, human rights, or the betterment of humanity. But how exactly is the winner chosen — and who makes that decision? Let’s break it down 👇
🏛️ 1. The Committee Behind the Decision
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, based in Oslo.
This five-member committee is appointed by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting) and consists of respected politicians, diplomats, and academics — all independent in their judgment.
📜 2. The Nomination Process
Nominations open in September of the previous year and close by January 31.
Eligible nominators include:
- Members of national governments and parliaments
- University professors in history, law, or political science
- Previous Nobel laureates
- International court judges
- Directors of recognized peace institutes
Each year, over 300 individuals or organizations are nominated — but the list remains strictly confidential for 50 years.
🔍 3. Review and Deliberation
The committee’s advisers spend months researching, verifying, and analyzing each nominee’s work.
They assess the impact, integrity, and peaceful nature of their efforts.
The goal: to ensure the prize reflects Alfred Nobel’s original vision — honoring those who “have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations.”
🗳️ 4. The Final Decision
By October, the committee votes in complete secrecy.
A majority vote determines the winner.
Once the decision is made, the laureate is officially announced at a press conference in Oslo — a moment watched worldwide.
🕊️ 5. The Prize and Ceremony
The Nobel Peace Prize is presented every December 10 — the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death — at a grand ceremony in Oslo City Hall.
Winners receive:
🏅 A gold medal
📜 A diploma
💰 A cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approx. USD 1 million)
🌍 In Essence
The Nobel Peace Prize isn’t just an award — it’s a global symbol of courage, justice, and hope.
It celebrates those who risk everything to make the world a fairer, freer, and more peaceful place.
