Trump, Zelensky, Thunberg among names floated for Nobel Peace Prize: AFP reports

The Norwegian Nobel Institute on Thursday revealed that 287 nominations have been submitted for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, including 208 individuals and 79 organisations.

As per tradition, the institute did not disclose the identities of the nominees.

Although lower than the record 376 nominations recorded in 2016, the institute noted that the number remains “consistently high”.

In a statement, it said that in a world marked by rising conflict, there continues to be no shortage of candidates demonstrating strong commitment and innovative efforts toward peace and progress.

Under Nobel rules, nominee identities are kept confidential for 50 years. However, those authorised to nominate — such as previous laureates, government officials, and certain academics — may choose to publicly reveal their selections.

Among the names that have surfaced for this year’s prize are Volodymyr Zelensky, Greta Thunberg, and institutions including the International Criminal Court.

Several nominators have also put forward Donald Trump, who had previously campaigned for the award, citing his claimed role in easing multiple global conflicts.

Last year, the prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado, a decision that drew attention after Trump publicly expressed disappointment at not being selected.

In a notable gesture, Machado later dedicated her award to Trump and presented him with her medal earlier this year.

The Nobel Committee, however, clarified that the physical medal does not constitute the prize itself, emphasising that the honour remains exclusively tied to the official laureate.

Nominations for the Peace Prize must be submitted by January 31 annually, although committee members may add candidates during their first post-deadline meeting, which this year took place on February 26. The winner is scheduled to be announced on October 9.