The Nobel Peace Prize Committee released yesterday the names of 208 individuals and 79 organisations vying for the prize, a list that will remain sealed for five decades beneath the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
Nominations closed on January 31 after a global call that allowed members of governments, heads of state, university rectors, former laureates and thousands of others to submit names. The five‑member committee, appointed by Norway's parliament and chaired by the head of PEN International, will meet in February to sift through the submissions and is expected to finalize a shortlist by August.
While some media outlets speculate that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been nominated, insiders say the odds of his selection are negligible. The real contenders, according to committee secretary Kristian Berg Harpviken, include Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court, and Save the Children. A mother in Gaza, whose children were aided by Save the Children, said the award could bring much-needed attention to the region.
The laureate will receive a gold medal, a diploma, and 12 million Swedish crowns. The announcement will be made on October 9 at the Nobel Institute and the ceremony will take place on December 10 at Oslo City Hall, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.