Why in news?
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was scheduled to be announced on 10 October 2025. Ahead of the announcement discussions focused on the legacy of the prize, the nomination process and how laureates are chosen. Understanding these details is useful for aspirants preparing for ethics and world affairs topics.
History and purpose
Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist and inventor of dynamite, left instructions in his 1895 will to establish prizes for those who “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” One prize was to go to a person or organisation that worked for peace and fraternity between nations. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, whereas the other Nobel prizes are presented in Stockholm.
Nomination and selection process
- Who can nominate: Nominations may be submitted by members of national assemblies and governments, judges of international courts, university professors in certain disciplines, previous Nobel Peace Prize laureates and members of organisations that have received the prize. Self‑nominations are not considered.
- Confidentiality: The Norwegian Nobel Committee keeps the names of nominees and nominators secret for 50 years. Media speculation often occurs, but the official list is sealed.
- Calendar: The nomination deadline is 31 January each year. In February and March the committee prepares a shortlist and seeks expert advice. From March to August external advisers evaluate the candidates. The five‑member committee makes the final decision by majority vote in October.
- Criteria: The committee interprets Nobel’s will to assess whether nominees have made outstanding contributions to peace, such as reducing armaments, mediating conflicts, promoting human rights or advancing social justice.
Significance and criticisms
The Nobel Peace Prize brings global recognition and often supports the work of activists and organisations with moral authority. Past laureates include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Malala Yousafzai and the World Food Programme. However, the prize has sometimes generated controversy, for instance when awarded to leaders engaged in ongoing conflicts or when critics believe certain regions or causes are overlooked. The prize remains an important symbol of hope and non‑violent change.