Independent Report – The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious international honors. Awarded to individuals or organizations that have made significant efforts to promote peace. In 2024, the spotlight once again turns to the selection process and the potential recipients. Among those mentioned in the public eye is U.S. President Donald Trump, recently nominated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If he were to win, Trump would become the fifth American president to receive the prize, joining Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.
The Nobel Peace Prize was established based on the will of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite. Nobel stated that the prize should go to someone who has contributed the most to advancing peace between nations, reducing military forces, or promoting peace initiatives. Over the years, the interpretation of his vision has broadened. Allowing a wide variety of individuals and organizations to be considered for their roles in global peacebuilding.
In an official statement, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Explains that the prize is not limited to political leaders or diplomats. People from many different backgrounds and regions of the world have received the award. Demonstrating that peace efforts can come from any level of society. This inclusive approach reflects the evolving nature of conflict and peace in the modern world.
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The nomination process is equally wide-reaching. Those eligible to nominate candidates include members of national governments and parliaments, university professors in specific disciplines, heads of state, and past Nobel Peace Prize winners. While nominees are officially kept confidential for 50 years, nominators can choose to publicly disclose their selections, as Netanyahu did with Trump. However, candidates are not allowed to nominate themselves under any circumstances.
The decision on who ultimately wins the Peace Prize is made by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. This committee is composed of five members appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. Though many members are former politicians, they may also come from other sectors of society. The current committee includes figures involved in defending human rights and freedom of expression, reflecting a diverse and balanced perspective aligned with Norway’s political landscape.
Nominations for the prize close on January 31 of each year. In some cases, committee members can still submit nominations during their first meeting in February. After all nominations are gathered, the committee prepares a shortlist of candidates. These shortlisted names are then reviewed by experts and advisers who provide in-depth analysis and assessments. The committee strives to reach a unanimous decision, but a majority vote is acceptable if full agreement cannot be achieved. The final selection is often made just days before the official announcement.
Throughout its history, the Peace Prize has not been without controversy. Some laureates have generated global debate due to their political roles or past actions. For instance, the decision to award Barack Obama in 2009, just months after he took office, drew mixed reactions. In 1973, the award given to Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho caused two committee members to resign in protest. Another member stepped down in 1994 when the prize was awarded to Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin for their role in peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Despite criticism, the prize continues to bring global recognition to peace efforts. Along with the honor, the laureate receives a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award of 11 million Swedish crowns, which is roughly $1.15 million. The prize also brings worldwide media attention, especially when awarded to a well-known or controversial figure.
The winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 10 in Oslo at the Norwegian Nobel Institute. The formal award ceremony will take place on December 10 at Oslo City Hall, commemorating the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The event remains a major highlight of the global diplomatic calendar and a reflection of ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world.
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