Oslo: The Nobel Committee has awarded Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, recognising her steadfast efforts to unite her country’s opposition, resist militarization, and champion a peaceful transition to democracy.
The announcement was made at 09:00 GMT at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, marking the pinnacle of this year’s Nobel Week, which runs from October 6 to 13.
A total of 338 nominations were received for the Nobel Peace Prize, 244 individuals and 94 organisations, making it one of the most competitive years in the award’s history. Among the nominees was US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he deserves the prize for preventing wars during his tenure.
BREAKING NEWS
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2025 #NobelPeacePrize to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to… pic.twitter.com/Zgth8KNJk9— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 10, 2025
However, observers had predicted his chances were minimal. Other contenders included Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms and the Committee to Protect Journalists, both praised for their humanitarian and press freedom work.
Each Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million), along with a diploma and gold medal, to be presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Machado’s selection aligns closely with Alfred Nobel’s vision for the Peace Prize, honouring those who promote fraternity between nations, advance peace congresses, and reduce standing armies. The committee highlighted her unwavering commitment to non-violence, democracy, and human rights in Venezuela, describing her as a symbol of hope for a nation striving toward freedom.
The committee’s citation stated that, “She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Last year, the Japanese anti-nuclear group Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots organisation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, received the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. Machado’s win this year, the committee noted that, “embodies the hope of a different future, one where Venezuelans can finally live in peace and dignity.”
Established in 1901, the Nobel Prize recognises exceptional achievements in various fields and has been awarded 627 times to 1,012 people and organisations.
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