OSLO: The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 10. There are 338 nominees this year. Here is a look at how the award works:
Who decides?
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, comprising five individuals appointed by the Norwegian parliament, is proposed by Norwegian political parties. Their appointments reflect the balance of power in Norway's parliament.
Who can win?
Whoever fits the description set out in the 1895 will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, it says the prize should go to the person "who has done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses."
The more complicated answer is that the prize "needs to be placed in the current context," according to Kristian Berg Harpviken, the secretary of the award committee, who prepares the work for the award body. He participates in the deliberations but does not vote.
Who can nominate?
Thousands of people can propose names, including members of governments and parliaments, current heads of state, university professors of history, social sciences, law, and philosophy, as well as former Nobel Peace Prize laureates, among others.
This year, there are 338 nominees. The full list is locked in a vault for 50 years.
How does the committee decide?
Nominations close on January 31. Members of the committee can submit their nominations no later than their first meeting in February.
They discuss all the nominations, then establish a shortlist. Each nominee is then assessed and examined by a group of permanent advisers and other experts.
The committee meets roughly once a month to discuss the nominations. The committee seeks to reach a consensus on its selection. If it cannot, the decision is made by majority vote.
Who is nominated?
While the full list of nominations is kept secret, nominators are free to disclose them.
Among the names disclosed this year are the International Criminal Court, NATO, jailed Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung, and Canadian human rights lawyer Irwin Cotler.
The leaders of Cambodia, Israel, and Pakistan have said they nominated US President Donald Trump. Their nominations were made in spring and summer, after the January 31 deadline, so they are not valid for the 2025 prize.
Could Trump win?
Only if he changes his policies, according to Nobel experts who argue that he is at present dismantling the international world order that the award committee cherishes.
Instead, the committee may wish to highlight a humanitarian organization, journalists, or a United Nations institution, they say. Or they could spring a surprise.
What does the laureate get?
A medal, a diploma, 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.19 million), and immediate global attention.
