List Of Nobel Peace Prize Winners: Who Won?

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to peace. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Nobel Peace Prize winners, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on global peace.

What is the Nobel Peace Prize?

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to those who have "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." It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor Alfred Nobel, the others being in Chemistry, Physics, Literature, and Physiology or Medicine.

History of the Nobel Peace Prize

Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament on 27 November 1895 in Paris. Much to the surprise of many, Nobel's will specified that a significant portion of his wealth be used to establish prizes in various fields, including peace. The Nobel Peace Prize is administered by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, whose five members are appointed by the Parliament of Norway. — Best Football Games On Nintendo Switch

The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901 to Frédéric Passy and Henry Dunant. Frédéric Passy was a French economist and peace activist who founded the International League of Peace. Henry Dunant was the founder of the Red Cross and the initiator of the Geneva Convention. Since then, the prize has been awarded 104 times to 137 recipients between 1901 and 2023; 111 individuals and 30 organizations.

List of Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Below is a list of some notable Nobel Peace Prize winners and their contributions to peace:

1901: Henry Dunant

Henry Dunant received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 for his role in founding the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Dunant's experience during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where he witnessed the suffering of wounded soldiers, led him to advocate for the establishment of a neutral organization to care for the sick and wounded in wartime.

The ICRC, founded in 1863, has played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts around the world, providing assistance to victims of armed conflict and promoting the laws of war. Dunant's vision and leadership laid the foundation for modern humanitarian action.

1964: Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent struggle for civil rights in the United States. King's leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement, his advocacy for racial equality, and his commitment to nonviolence made him one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech and his work in organizing peaceful protests and boycotts helped to bring about significant changes in American society, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1979: Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work in helping suffering humanity. Mother Teresa, an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. The Missionaries of Charity provides care for the poor, the sick, the orphaned, and the dying in India and other countries.

Mother Teresa's selfless dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society made her a symbol of compassion and humanitarianism. Her work continues to inspire people around the world to help those in need.

2014: Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai

Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. Satyarthi, an Indian child rights activist, founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement), which has rescued thousands of children from child labor.

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani education activist, gained international attention when she survived being shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education. Her courage and determination have made her a global symbol of the fight for education rights.

2021: Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov

Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace. Maria Ressa, a Filipino-American journalist and author, is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler, a news website critical of the Philippine government.

Dmitry Muratov, a Russian journalist, is the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper known for its critical and investigative coverage of Russian politics and society. Both Ressa and Muratov have faced significant challenges and threats for their work in promoting freedom of expression.

Criteria for Winning the Nobel Peace Prize

The criteria for winning the Nobel Peace Prize are outlined in Alfred Nobel's will, which specifies that the prize should be awarded to the person who shall have 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.

The Nobel Committee interprets these criteria broadly, considering a wide range of contributions to peace. These include efforts to resolve conflicts, promote human rights, fight poverty, and address climate change.

Nominations and Selection Process

The process of selecting Nobel Peace Prize winners is rigorous and confidential. Nominations are accepted from a wide range of individuals and organizations, including members of national assemblies and governments, university professors, former Nobel laureates, and members of international courts.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews the nominations and selects a shortlist of candidates. The committee then conducts research and consults with experts to evaluate the candidates' contributions. The final decision is made by the committee in a closed meeting, and the winner is announced in October each year.

Impact of the Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize has had a significant impact on global efforts to promote peace and human rights. The prize raises awareness of important issues and provides recognition and support for individuals and organizations working to make the world a better place.

Promoting Peace and Human Rights

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to many individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to promoting peace and human rights. These include peace activists, human rights advocates, political leaders, and humanitarian organizations.

The prize can help to amplify the voices of those working for peace and human rights, providing them with a platform to share their message and advocate for change.

Encouraging Conflict Resolution

The Nobel Peace Prize has also been awarded to individuals and organizations who have played a role in resolving conflicts. These include mediators, negotiators, and peacekeepers who have helped to bring an end to wars and promote reconciliation.

The prize can encourage parties in conflict to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful solutions to their disputes.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Nobel Peace Prize is not without its controversies and criticisms. Some awards have been criticized for being politically motivated or for recognizing individuals or organizations whose contributions to peace are questionable.

Controversial Awards

One of the most controversial Nobel Peace Prizes was awarded to Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho in 1973 for their role in negotiating the Paris Peace Accords, which were intended to end the Vietnam War. Le Duc Tho declined the prize, arguing that peace had not yet been achieved in Vietnam.

Other controversial awards include the 1994 prize to Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin for their role in the Oslo Accords, and the 2009 prize to Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.

Criticisms of the Selection Process

The Nobel Committee's selection process has also been criticized for being opaque and for lacking transparency. Some critics argue that the committee's decisions are influenced by political considerations and that the prize is not always awarded to those who have made the most significant contributions to peace. — The Diplomat Season 3: Everything You Need To Know

Conclusion

The Nobel Peace Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to peace. While some awards have been controversial, the prize has played a significant role in promoting peace and human rights around the world.

The Nobel Peace Prize winners have inspired millions of people to work for a more peaceful and just world. Their achievements serve as a reminder that peace is possible and that each of us has a role to play in building a better future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Nobel Peace Prize?

The Nobel Peace Prize is an annual award given to those who have 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. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by Alfred Nobel. — Browns Vs Bengals: Epic Showdown In Cleveland!

2. Who decides who wins the Nobel Peace Prize?

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member committee appointed by the Parliament of Norway, decides who wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

3. How are Nobel Peace Prize winners selected?

Nominations are accepted from a wide range of individuals and organizations. The Nobel Committee reviews the nominations, selects a shortlist of candidates, and conducts research to evaluate their contributions. The final decision is made by the committee in a closed meeting.

4. Can an organization win the Nobel Peace Prize?

Yes, organizations can win the Nobel Peace Prize. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations are examples of organizations that have been awarded the prize.

5. What are some notable Nobel Peace Prize winners?

Some notable Nobel Peace Prize winners include Henry Dunant, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Kailash Satyarthi, Malala Yousafzai, Maria Ressa, and Dmitry Muratov.

6. Has the Nobel Peace Prize ever been declined?

Yes, the Nobel Peace Prize has been declined on a few occasions. Le Duc Tho declined the prize in 1973, arguing that peace had not yet been achieved in Vietnam.

7. What impact does the Nobel Peace Prize have?

The Nobel Peace Prize raises awareness of important issues and provides recognition and support for individuals and organizations working to promote peace and human rights. It can also encourage conflict resolution and inspire others to work for a better world.

Call to Action: Explore the lives and achievements of Nobel Peace Prize winners and consider how you can contribute to peace in your community and the world.