Almost 300 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize 2026. Donald Trump, nominated again this year
Some 287 candidates will be considered for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, Norwegian Nobel Committee Secretary Kristian Berg Harpviken said on Thursday, adding that US President Donald Trump is likely to be among the nominees.
Among those nominated this year, 208 are individuals and 79 are organizations, said Kristian Berg Harpviken, adding that there were many new nominations compared to last year, Reuters and Agerpres report.
“Since I'm new in office, one of the things that surprised me to some extent is how much the list members are renewed from year to year,” Harpviken, who has been secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee since January 2025, said in an interview.
Despite the increasing number of conflicts worldwide and international cooperation under pressure, the award remains relevant, added Harpviken. “The Peace Prize is even more important in a time like the one we live in,” he said.
Nominations remain secret for 50 years
The leaders of Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan said they nominated Trump for this year's award.
Their nominations would have been made in the spring and summer of 2025 and are therefore valid, given that the deadline is January 31.
There is no way to verify whether they did as they said they did as the nominations remain secret for 50 years, and Harpviken declined to say Thursday whether Trump was nominated.
A nomination does not constitute an endorsement by the awarding body.
In addition to the committee members, thousands of people from around the world can propose names: members of governments and parliaments, current heads of state, university professors of history, social sciences, law and philosophy, and former Nobel Peace Prize laureates, among others.
Appeal for the Iranian activist who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023. “Her life is in imminent danger”
Separately, Harpviken expressed the committee's concern about the health of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, whose condition has worsened after suffering a heart attack in prison. Her supporters said Wednesday that her life is in imminent danger.
“Her sister was able to visit her in prison yesterday, and the reports that have come out since then are actually quite alarming about her health. We see that there is a lot of international pressure at the moment. We hope that the Iranian authorities will pay attention to this and release her so that she can receive proper medical treatment,” said Harpviken.
Greenland, reached the center of attention after Donald Trump's threats
Possible nominees for this year's award include Lisa Murkowski, the US senator for Alaska, and Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament elected from Greenland, according to the Norwegian lawmaker who nominated both.
“Together they have worked tirelessly to build trust and ensure the peaceful development of the Arctic region over many years,” said MP Lars Haltbrekken.
Greenland has been in the spotlight this year as a result of President Trump's efforts to acquire the island from NATO ally Denmark.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2026 will be announced on October 9, and the ceremony will take place on December 10. Last year's laureate was Maria Corina Machado, opposition leader in Venezuela.
