Nobel Peace Prize 2025
Context:
Maria Corina Machado received the Noble Peace Prize for 2025 edition.
UPSC Relevance:
Important awards.
PYQ:
Q) Wangari Maathai, the Noble Prize winner from Kenya is known for her contribution to which one of the following?
(a) Journalism
(b) International Economics
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Child development
About Nobel Peace Prize 2025:
- The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 was awarded to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless efforts in promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and striving for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee, responsible for selecting laureates, received a total of 338 nominations, including 94 organisations.
- The committee considers candidates whose work aligns with Alfred Nobel’s stipulation of promoting fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, or supporting peace congresses.
- Nominations are strictly confidential and cannot be made posthumously, ensuring that the prize reflects ongoing contributions to global peace.
Nobel Peace Prize Historical Background:
- The Nobel Peace Prize , established in 1901 by Alfred Nobel, recognizes individuals or organisations promoting peace, disarmament, and global harmony.
- Foundation and Purpose (1895-1901)
- 1895: Alfred Nobel’s will specified a prize for those promoting fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, or supporting peace congresses.
- Influence: Nobel was inspired by Bertha von Suttner, a peace activist, to include the peace category.
- Awarding Body: The prize is administered by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, elected by Norway’s Parliament (Stortinget).
- First Award: The prize was first awarded in 1901.
- Organisations Recognized: The International Committee of the Red Cross won the prize in 1917 and 1944 for humanitarian efforts during wars.
- 1954: The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) received the prize for assisting refugees, repeated in 1981.
- Women Laureates: Increased recognition of women leaders in peace, with 19 women receiving the prize historically.
- 2024 Award: Nihon Hidankyo, representing Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, honoured for raising awareness on nuclear weapons and advocating disarmament.