Nobel Peace Prize: History, Winners and Global Impact
When talking about the Nobel Peace Prize, the most prestigious award recognizing extraordinary efforts to promote peace, resolve conflicts and foster cooperation among nations. Also known as the Peace Nobel, it was founded by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, the chemist who created dynamite and left a fortune to reward humanitarian achievements. Since 1901 the prize has highlighted individuals, NGOs and movements that move the needle on war, inequality and environmental stress.
Key Players and How They Shape the Prize
The selection process is overseen by the United Nations, the global body that gathers nominations, reviews candidates and advises the Nobel Committee on peace‑related matters. The UN’s peacekeeping missions, Sustainable Development Goals and mediation teams often provide the real‑world evidence that backs a nominee’s case. Human Rights, the universal set of freedoms and protections for individuals intersect with the prize because many winners, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Malala Yousafzai, championed civil liberties as a pathway to lasting peace. Meanwhile, Conflict Resolution, the practice of negotiating settlements, disarmament and reconciliation provides the methodological backbone for many laureates, whether they are diplomats, grassroots activists or scientists.
These entities form a web of influence: the Nobel Peace Prize awards individuals who excel in conflict resolution; conflict resolution is often guided by UN frameworks; UN initiatives rely on human‑rights standards; and human‑rights achievements boost the credibility of peace‑building projects. In practice, the prize shines a spotlight on policies that matter for African nations—like Kenya’s pension reforms, South Africa’s diplomatic choices, or Nigeria’s push for MSME growth—showing how economic stability, social security and development financing feed into broader peace efforts. Below you’ll find a curated selection of stories that illustrate how the themes tied to the Nobel Peace Prize play out across the continent, from political reforms to social initiatives and global development deals.
