Nominations are now open for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious global awards recognizing children and youth who are advancing children’s rights through courageous and impactful action.
Now in its 22nd edition, the prize honors young changemakers aged 12 to 18 whose work has led to real, measurable change at the local, national, or global level.
Nomination deadline: 31 March 2026 at 17:00 CET
What Is the International Children’s Peace Prize?
The International Children’s Peace Prize is awarded every year to a child anywhere in the world who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of children.
Key facts about the prize:
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Founded in 2005 by the KidsRights Foundation
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Launched during the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome
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Presented annually by a Nobel Peace Laureate
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Recognized globally as the most prestigious award for young changemakers
Past winners and nominees include internationally known youth leaders such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg.
International Children’s Peace Prize 2025 Winner
The International Children’s Peace Prize 2025 was awarded to Bana Alabed at a ceremony held in Stockholm City Hall, a venue closely associated with the Nobel Prize.
Bana Alabed was recognized for:
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Courageously representing children living in war zones
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Publicly documenting the daily realities of Syrian children during conflict
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Amplifying the voices of children affected by war and displacement
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Contributing to international advocacy on ceasefires, civilian protection, and humanitarian responses
Who Can Be Nominated?
A nominee must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be between 12 and 18 years old
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Come from any country in the world
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Have a clear history of standing up for children’s rights
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Demonstrate concrete positive impact at the community, national, or global level
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Provide consent to be nominated
Additional eligibility notes:
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Individuals or groups of up to five children may be nominated
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Organizations are not eligible
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Children cannot nominate themselves
Why Nominate a Young Changemaker?
Nominating a child for the International Children’s Peace Prize provides recognition, resources, and global visibility that can significantly scale their impact.
What the Winner Receives
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The Nkosi Statuette, presented at a globally celebrated ceremony
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The Desmond Tutu Study and Care Fund to support education
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€50,000 from the International Children’s Peace Prize Project Fund for the winner’s project
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An additional €25,000 investment by KidsRights in youth-led projects related to the winner’s theme
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A global platform to amplify the winner’s message and advocacy
Benefits for Finalists and Nominees
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Top 3 finalists
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Professionally produced video highlighting their changemaking work
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Top 30 nominees
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Global visibility across KidsRights’ social media platforms
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All eligible nominees
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Featured on the KidsRights website
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Official certificate from KidsRights Foundation
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Opportunity to join the global digital platform State of Youth, connecting young changemakers to mentorship, networks, and funding opportunities
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How to Nominate for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026
Any adult can nominate a young changemaker aged 12 to 18 by completing the official nomination form.
Important nomination details:
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The nominee’s consent is required
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The form takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete
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Progress can be saved and completed later
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No account registration is required
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A high-quality photo of the nominee and an authorization form must be submitted
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Each individual child or group requires a separate nomination form
All eligible nominees will be featured on the KidsRights website, increasing their global visibility.
Key Dates and Timeline
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31 March 2026: Nominations close (17:00 CET)
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May – September 2026: Review by the Expert Committee
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October 2026: Top 30 nominees announced
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November 2026: Top 3 finalists announced
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November 2026: Winner announced at the award ceremony
How Is the Winner Selected?
The winner is selected through a rigorous, multi-step process:
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Review of all nominations by an independent Expert Committee
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Assessment of impact, credibility, and changemaking outcomes
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In-depth investigation conducted by KidsRights
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Possible country visits to shortlisted nominees
The Expert Committee consists of five internationally recognized leaders with extensive experience in children’s rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child be nominated more than once?
Yes. Children who were nominated in previous years may be nominated again.
Can I nominate a group of children?
Yes, as long as each child played a significant and verifiable role in the changemaking efforts.
Can I nominate more than one child?
Yes. A separate nomination form must be completed for each child or group.
What if I do not have stable internet access?
Nominations can be submitted via email or phone by contacting the KidsRights team.
Is the nomination form available in other languages?
The form is currently available in English. Requests for other languages can be made and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Contact and Support
For questions or assistance with the nomination process, contact:
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Phone: +31 202 258 225
Detailed instructions are available in the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 Nomination Guidance Booklet.
Support the Next Generation of Child Rights Leaders
By nominating a young changemaker, you help elevate children’s voices, strengthen youth leadership, and advance children’s rights worldwide.