Trump, Thunberg and Zelenskyy: Inside the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Race

The Norwegian Nobel Institute has announced that 287 nominations have been submitted for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, comprising 208 individuals and 79 organisations. While the total is lower than the record 376 nominations received in 2016, the institute said the figure remains “consistently high”.

In a statement, the institute noted that “in an increasingly conflictual world, there is no lack of candidates whose principled commitment and innovative action points towards a brighter future”.

Under Nobel Foundation rules, the identities of nominees remain confidential for 50 years. However, those eligible to submit nominations — including former laureates, members of national legislatures and governments worldwide, as well as certain university professors — are free to disclose their choices.

Among those reportedly nominated this year are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and institutions such as the International Criminal Court.

There have also been claims that US President Donald Trump has been nominated by several individuals. Trump has previously expressed disappointment at not receiving the prize, having campaigned on claims of brokering peace efforts in multiple conflicts. Last year’s award instead went to Venezuelan opposition leader Marla Corina Machado, who later dedicated her prize to him and presented him with her medal, a gesture the Nobel Committee clarified does not transfer or alter the award itself. 

Nominations for the 2026 prize closed on 31 January, though the committee retains the right to add names at its first meeting after the deadline, which took place on 26 February. The winner will be announced on 9 October.