Due to recent developments in the coronavirus situation in Oslo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee and David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, have agreed to postpone his planned visit to Oslo in December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the organisation. With the current restrictions in Oslo, it would not be possible to carry out the ceremony or other parts of the Laureate’s traditional programme in a good and worthy manner. We are now considering the possibility of holding a digital award ceremony where the WFP will be presented with the medal and diploma.

Depending on how the pandemic develops, Executive Director Beasley will hopefully be able to give the Nobel Lecture at the Oslo City Hall next year. Then it should also be possible to hold a Nobel Banquet in honour of the World Food Programme. As previously announced, this year’s banquet has been cancelled. 

Contingent on unforeseen circumstances due to the pandemic, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize Forum will be held as a fully or partially digital event. The theme of this year’s forum is “Transnationalism and Global Governance in the Wake of the Corona Pandemic”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Executive Director Beasley will attend the forum digitally.