A total of 287 candidates are currently under consideration for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, the secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee confirmed on Thursday, with Donald Trump likely to be among the nominees.
Kristian Berg Harpviken, who assumed his role in January 2025, revealed that this year's list comprises 208 individuals and 79 organisations. He noted a significant turnover in candidates compared to the previous year, stating, '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.'
Despite a global increase in conflicts and mounting pressure on international cooperation, Harpviken emphasised the continued relevance of the prestigious award. 'The Peace Prize is even more important in a period like the one we're living in,' he asserted, adding, 'There is as much good work, if not more, than ever.'
Leaders from Cambodia, Israel, and Pakistan have previously indicated that they nominated Donald Trump for this year's prize. These nominations, reportedly submitted in spring and summer 2025, are valid as the deadline for consideration was January 31. There is no way of verifying they have done as they have said as nominations remain secret for 50 years and Harpviken declined to say on Thursday whether Trump had been nominated.
Among possible nominees for this year's prize are Lisa Murkowski, the U.S. senator for Alaska, and Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament elected from Greenland, according to the Norwegian lawmaker who nominated them both. Greenland has been in particular focus this year due to Trump's relentless push to acquire the island from NATO ally Denmark.
This year's Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 9, while the ceremony will take place on December 10. Last year's laureate was Venezuela's Maria Corina Machado.
