The number of nominations remains consistently high, reflecting the robust global interest in the Nobel Peace Prize. In an increasingly conflictual world, there is no lack of candidates whose principled commitment and innovative action points towards a brighter future. The values that underpin the prize – and its commitment to peaceful dialogue, conflict resolution and international cooperation – are more important than ever,  

Nominations are submitted to the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s secretariat by 31 January each year . Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee may add further names to the list of candidates during their first meeting after the nomination deadline. In 2026, the first meeting of the Committee was held on 26 February. 

Through the provisions of Alfred Nobel’s will, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has been entrusted with awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to the person or organization that has conferred the greatest benefit on humankind in the field of peace. After all the qualified nominations have been discussed, the committee – in its first meeting every year – decides on a short-list of the most interesting and worthy candidates. 

The Committee’s deliberations and assessments do not take place in a vacuum: for each candidate and topic, it seeks evaluations from some of the world’s leading experts, from academics with deep knowledge of the specific areas in which the candidates are engaged. The committee also review a large selection of scholarly articles and other background material. 

Proposals received for the award of a prize, and investigations and opinions concerning the award of a prize, may not be divulged until 50 years have elapsed. The Nobel Committee does not announce the names of nominees, neither to the media nor to the candidates themselves. In certain cases, names of candidates appear in the media; these may stem from persons who claim to have made a nomination, or they may be sheer speculations about who could be possible candidates.  

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate(s) of 2026 will be announced on Friday, 9 October, with the award ceremony taking place on 10 December in Oslo, Norway.