South Africa’s Navanethem “Navi” Pillay wins the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting peace and international law. The 85-year-old is a former UN human rights chief and International Court of Justice judge. Announcing the decision in Oslo on 9 October, Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes highlighted her contribution to strengthening the legal principles and institutions that underpin lasting peace.
Pillay was selected from 287 nominated candidates, slightly more than a quarter of them organisations. The choice reflects the committee’s traditional emphasis on durable peace, international fraternity and the often less visible institutional work that supports those aims.
The award comes with 12 million Swedish kronor, about $1.2 million, whether it goes to an individual, a group or an organisation. The 2026 prize marks the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, first awarded in 1901. Over its history, it has recognised 112 individuals and 28 institutions; the Red Cross has received it three times and the UN refugee agency twice. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 prize for pursuing a democratic transition in her country.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔