The Commonwealth Peace Prize 2025 celebrates transformative contributions to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social cohesion across Commonwealth nations. The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Khalili Foundation jointly organize this prestigious triennial award. The Peace Prize seeks to empower youth-led and intergenerational partnerships that foster peace across the Commonwealth’s diverse communities. It aims to encourage dialogue and promote innovative peacebuilding methods to create harmony among various cultural, religious, ethnic, and geographical groups.
The Commonwealth Peace Prize 2025 awards £50,000 to an exceptional Commonwealth citizen over 30 who has successfully built peace and encouraged lasting dialogue. It recognizes individuals who embody Commonwealth values of tolerance, understanding, and dialogue. The application deadline: Nominations open on International Peace Day, 21 September 2024, and close on 17 January 2025
Institutions:
- Organizer: Commonwealth Secretariat and Khalili Foundation
- Headquarters: Commonwealth Secretariat, London, UK
- Programs Supported: Initiatives promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and cultural cohesion
- Duration: Nominations are open annually, with awards every three years
Focus Areas:
- Conflict resolution
- Interfaith dialogue
- Sustainable peacebuilding initiatives
- Promotion of Commonwealth values
Prize Benefits
- Monetary Award: £50,000
- Recognition: Framed citation presented by the Commonwealth Secretary-General
- Promotion: Global acknowledgment of the winner’s peacebuilding initiatives
- The winner will be announced in a ceremony during Commonwealth Week in 2025.
Commonwealth Peace Prize Eligibilities
The Commonwealth Peace Prize recognizes a distinguished individual from the Commonwealth who is 30 years old or older, who has:
- Acted as a trusted mediator with a proven history of successful peacebuilding in conflict-prone areas.
- Established sustainable dialogue processes or institutions that have led to lasting peace, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
- Used their influence to promote the Commonwealth values of tolerance, respect, understanding, and cultural and religious diversity.
- Applied principles from religious faith or the Commonwealth Charter to create inclusive, democratic societies with sustainable development.
Nomination requirements
- Only Commonwealth member governments, through their High Commissions or accredited officials, and Heads of Commonwealth Accredited Organizations can submit nominations.
- To submit a nomination, send an official letter of recommendation and an impact biography of the nominee to PeacePrize@commonwealth.int by 23:59 GMT on 17 January 2025.
- The biography must detail how the nominee meets all the specified criteria
The selection/awards process
- The Commonwealth Peace Prize Committee, part of the Commonwealth Faith Festival, will create an initial shortlist of candidates.
- A high-level panel of judges will then select the winner in February 2025.
- The Secretary-General will announce the winner during Commonwealth Week at a special ceremony.
- The winner will receive a citation and a letter confirming the £50,000 financial award to support their ongoing work.
- The final shortlist will remain confidential, though shortlisted candidates may be invited to join activities at the Commonwealth Faith Festival
Required Documents
- An official letter of recommendation
- An “Impact Biography” detailing the nominee’s achievements and how they meet the award criteria
Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight measurable impacts of your work in peacebuilding.
- Demonstrate alignment with Commonwealth values.
- Include references from credible organizations to strengthen your nomination.
- Provide detailed yet concise documentation showcasing your initiatives
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The Commonwealth Peace Prize is a rare and globally respected platform that not only recognizes but also amplifies efforts to promote sustainable peace. It offers significant funding to expand impactful initiatives and fosters collaboration across diverse communities
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who can nominate someone for the award?
A: Nominations can only be made by Commonwealth governments or Accredited Organizations
Q2. Can the prize money be used for new projects?
A: Yes, it is intended to further the winner’s peacebuilding initiatives
Q3. Are there age restrictions for nominees?
A: Nominees must be over 30 years old
Q4. What happens after submission?
A: A panel of experts reviews submissions, and the winner is announced in March 2025
Q5. Is there a focus on specific Commonwealth regions?
A: No, nominees can be from any Commonwealth nation as long as they meet the criteria
Official Link for More Information
Visit the Commonwealth Peace Prize Official Page for detailed guidelines and application procedures
