Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Who Will Be Honoured for Peace in an Unstable World?
Every year in early October, the world watches as the Norwegian Nobel Committee announces the laureate(s) of the Nobel Peace Prize—recognizing individuals or organizations that have contributed significantly toward peace, reconciliation, human rights, or conflict resolution. In 2025, all eyes are turned to Oslo on October 10, when the 2025 Peace Prize will be revealed.
This edition explores the nomination process, key contenders, the stakes this year, and what to expect in the coming months.
Key Facts & Process
Announcement & Ceremony Dates
- The announcement for the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 is scheduled for Friday, 10 October 2025 at 11:00 am Central European Summer Time (CEST) from the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo.
- The award ceremony (presentation of the medal and diploma) will take place on 10 December 2025 in Oslo.
Nominations & Confidentiality
- For 2025, the Nobel Institute registered 338 valid nominations, of which 244 were individuals and 94 were organizations.
- Nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize are kept strictly secret: neither the names of the nominators nor of the nominees may be disclosed for 50 years.
- The Nobel Committee emphasizes that media campaigns, public pressure, or endorsements do not influence its deliberations. The decision is made on merit, guided primarily by Alfred Nobel’s will and the committee’s autonomous evaluation.
Prize Value & Criteria
- The Nobel Peace Prize carries a monetary award (in Swedish krona) and the symbolic medal and diploma.
- According to Alfred Nobel’s will, the award is given to the person (or organization) that has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
Major Contenders & Speculations
As of now (pre-announcement), many media outlets, peace analysts, and think tanks are speculating on likely winners. Some of the names most frequently discussed include:
- Donald Trump: His diplomatic engagements, especially in the Middle East and the reported ceasefire initiatives, have prompted some to nominate him. However, skeptics argue that the Nobel Committee finalised its decision before recent developments, thus diminishing his chances.
- Emergency Response Rooms (Sudan): A network of volunteer aid groups active in Sudan has been highlighted in nomination lists, given their steady work amid conflict in the region.
- International institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC), or organizations working on justice / law has also been mentioned as plausible candidates.
- Others on speculative lists: Committee to Protect Journalists, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), among others.
Still, until the official announcement, all names remain speculative.
Context & Stakes for 2025
2025 arrives amid multiple global challenges: ongoing wars, humanitarian crises, mass displacement, and intensified calls for multilateral cooperation. In this backdrop, the Nobel Peace Prize carries additional symbolic weight:
- Conflict zones and ceasefires: Any breakthrough in peace deals (e.g. in the Middle East, Ukraine, or elsewhere) may tilt the spotlight.
- Humanitarian organizations working in crisis zones may gain recognition as unsung heroes.
- Institutional frameworks (courts, treaty bodies) that uphold international law and justice are gaining renewed prominence.
- The Nobel Committee’s choice can also send a message of moral leadership, aligning with global challenges such as climate justice, refugee rights, and inclusive peacebuilding.
Thus, the award will not just honour past work but can help elevate ongoing efforts and shape discourse throughout 2026.
What To Watch After Announcement
- Reactions & Debates — The laureate’s selection invariably triggers public debate and media analyses, both praising and critiquing.
- Global Reception — Diplomatic gestures, acceptance speeches, and how governments respond will affect the laureate’s influence.
- Implementation & Legacy — Will the recognition translate into strengthened peace initiatives, funding, or momentum for broader change?
- Next Nobel Cycle — How 2025’s choice shapes expectations for Nobel prizes in subsequent years.
