The Commonwealth Peace Prize will be awarded to a distinguished peace-builder with a strong track record of faith-based engagement in conflict resolution, promotion of social cohesion, and sustainable peace.
The prize organised and delivered by the Khalili Foundation in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, is a part of the Commonwealth Faith Festival and Faith in the Commonwealth Initiative.
The Commonwealth Peace Prize
The prize aims to:
- build capacity and amplify awareness about impactful youth-led and intergenerational partnerships that promote peace across the diverse geographical, cultural, religious and ethnic groups in the Commonwealth
- promote dialogue and innovative peacebuilding methods to support greater harmony across the Commonwealth
Eligibility criteria
Institutions are not eligible to receive the prize.
The winner of the Prize will be a living, distinguished and long-serving individual/ Commonwealth citizen over the age of 30 who:
- is considered a respected and trusted broker between conflicting parties, with a strong and lengthy track record of successful peacebuilding in Commonwealth societies;
- has built sustainable mechanisms, institutions or processes for dialogue which have, based on objective evaluation, contributed to a definitive end to conflict, lasting peace, social cohesion, or other observed positive change;
- has, in the pursuit of those efforts, consistently used their significant influence to promote the Commonwealth values of tolerance, respect, understanding, moderation, celebration of cultural, racial, ethnic diversity and religious freedom; and
- has used principles of religious faith and/or faith in the Commonwealth Charter to create positive and sustainable peace towards the aim of free and democratic societies and inclusive development.
Individuals who have received other international peace prizes or have been recognised for their efforts at a high level are eligible for nomination.
How to submit a nomination
- Nominations close at 23:59 GMT on 17 January 2025.
- Contact your High Commission in London or a Commonwealth Accredited Organisation to submit an official nomination on your behalf. Ensure your nomination includes an official letter of recommendation and an impact biography.
- The Secretary-General will announce the winner at a special ceremony during Commonwealth Week in March 2025.
- The winner will be presented with the award and a financial award of £50,000 to continue their important work.
The selection process
- Under the banner of the Commonwealth Faith Festival project, a Commonwealth Peace Prize Committee will prepare the first shortlist for consideration by a panel of judges.
- A high-level panel of judges will select a winner in February 2025
- The Secretary-General will announce the winner during Commonwealth Week in 2025 at a special ceremony.
- The winner will be presented with a citation and a letter of award outlining a financial award of £50,000 to be used to continue their work.
- The final shortlist of candidates will not be published. However, candidates from the shortlist may be invited to participate in Commonwealth Faith Festival activities.
Contact us
For further information please contact Mr Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development, or Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts, Research Manager, at [email protected].
