Kamal Ghorui
Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Kristian Berg Harpviken on Thursday said that over 287 candidates are shortlisted this year for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. US President Donald Trump is also likely among the nominees.Harpviken said 208 of the nominees are individuals and 79 are organisations, with several new names added this year.“Since I am new in the job, one of the things that has to some extent surprised me is how much renewal there is from year to year on the list,” Harpviken said in an interview. He took charge of the position in January 2025.He added that despite rising global conflicts and pressure on international cooperation, the Nobel Peace Prize remains highly relevant.“The Peace Prize is even more important in a period like the one we’re living in. There is as much good work, if not more, than ever,” he said. Harpviken said Trump is likely among those nominated for this year’s prize, although he did not confirm any individual names, as nominations remain confidential for 50 years. The leaders of Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan have said they nominated Trump for this year’s prize, Reuters reported. However, Harpviken clarified that a nomination does not represent an endorsement by the Nobel Committee.In addition to committee members, thousands of people worldwide can propose names including lawmakers, heads of state, university professors and former Nobel laureates.The Nobel Committee does not disclose nominees publicly and the official list remains sealed for decades. Many of the names under discussion also appear on betting platforms, including Russian opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya, Pope Leo and Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a volunteer aid group.Among those reportedly suggested for the prize are US Senator Lisa Murkowski and Danish parliament member Aaja Chemnitz, nominated for their work on Arctic cooperation and regional stability.“They have worked relentlessly to build trust and to secure a peaceful development of the Arctic region over many years,” said Norwegian lawmaker Lars Haltbrekken, who nominated them.The Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2026 will be announced on October 9, with the award ceremony scheduled for December 10.Last year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her efforts to promote democracy and peaceful political transition in Venezuela.Trump had also been in contention for the 2025 prize, amid his claims that he deserved the honour for what he described as his role in resolving multiple international conflicts.
