Nobel Peace Prize 2025 honors Maria Corina Machado for her extraordinary civilian courage and advocacy for democracy in Venezuela. Her recognition underscores the Nobel Peace Prize’s continued emphasis on grassroots activism, democratic rights, and nonviolent leadership, reflecting Alfred Nobel’s vision of promoting global fraternity, peace, and justice.
Maria Corina Machado (Venezuela)
- Recognized for tireless efforts to promote democratic rights in Venezuela
- Advocated for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy
- Prize includes: Cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (~USD 1.17 million), a diploma, and a medal
- Presentation Ceremony: 10 December 2025 in Oslo, Norway
Key Highlight
- Announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee
- Praised as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times”
- Maria Corina Machado is the second Venezuelan Nobel laureate after Baruj Benacerraf (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1980)
- At the time of announcement, Machado was in hiding inside Venezuela, fearing government repression under Nicolás Maduro
- Total Nominations 2025: 338, including 94 organizations
- Selection Criteria: Candidates must align with Alfred Nobel’s stipulations:
- Promote fraternity between nations
- Reduce standing armies
- Support peace congresses
- Nomination Rules:
- Confidential
- Cannot be posthumous
- Reflects ongoing contributions to global peace
Historical Background of Nobel Peace Prize
Foundation and Purpose (1895-1901)
- Alfred Nobel’s will (1895) specified a peace prize for those:
- Promoting fraternity between nations
- Reducing standing armies
- Supporting peace congresses
- Inspired by Bertha von Suttner, a peace activist
- Administered by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, elected by Norway’s Parliament (Stortinget)
- First awarded in 1901
Early Years (1901-1940s)
- Focused on humanitarian and peace efforts
- International Committee of the Red Cross: Awarded in 1917 and 1944
Post-War Era (1950s-1970s)
- Recognized efforts in reconstruction, diplomacy, and refugee aid
- UNHCR: Awarded in 1954 and 1981
Modern Era (1980s-2000s)
- Recognition expanded to human rights, democracy, and disarmament
- Increased awards to women leaders, historically 19 women laureates
Recent Trends (2010s-2024)
- Focused on grassroots activism, nuclear disarmament, and social justice movements
- 2024 Laureate: Nihon Hidankyo (Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors)
Significance of Nobel Peace Prize
- Recognizes individuals or organizations promoting peace, disarmament, and global harmony
- Symbol of civil courage, diplomacy, and nonviolent action
- Encourages activism for democracy, human rights, and conflict resolution
- Highlights the role of civilian efforts in shaping international peace
Key Facts
- Awarding Body: Norwegian Nobel Committee
- Established: 1901 (Alfred Nobel’s will, 1895)
- Prize Components: Medal, diploma, cash award (11 million SEK in 2025)
- Global Impact: Recognizes contributions to peace, disarmament, and human rights
- Second Venezuelan Nobel Laureate: Maria Corina Machado (Peace, 2025)