The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 has been awarded to South African lawyer Navi Pillay, recognized for her dedication to promoting human rights, international law, and peace. The decision by the Norwegian Nobel Committee underscores the significance of upholding international law amidst increasing pressures on global legal institutions.
Pillay, a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, has made significant contributions to defending human rights and investigating crimes against humanity throughout her career. Her recognition comes at a crucial time when the role of international law is being challenged worldwide.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump, who had been vying for the prestigious award, was not selected. Trump had lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize by highlighting his administration’s role in allegedly resolving or preventing international conflicts. He claimed credit for ending eight conflicts, including those related to the Israel-Hamas war and tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as US-led negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, many of these conflicts remain unresolved, with the war in Ukraine and tensions involving Iran continuing.
Trump has previously expressed disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, criticizing the committee’s past selections. He joins the ranks of four former US presidents—Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama—who have been awarded the prize in the past.
Despite missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump has received other recognitions for his peace efforts. In December 2025, he was named the first recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Additionally, Venezuelan opposition leader MarÃa Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, presented her award to Trump in January 2026. However, the Nobel Institute has clarified that its prize cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred once it has been announced.