2026 Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Landscape: 287 Candidates, Trump Among Likely Nominees

Secretary Kristian Berg Harpviken announced 287 nominations – 208 individuals and 79 organisations – for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. He noted a “surprising” turnover from the previous year and said the prize is “even more important in a period like the one we’re living in” because “there is as much good work, if not more, than ever.”

The Straits Times

Leaders of Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan say they nominated U.S. President Donald Trump, but Harpviken declined to confirm any nomination, noting that submissions stay secret for 50 years and are not endorsements. Trump cites eight self-declared peace deals, from Armenia-Azerbaijan to Israel-Hamas, and voiced frustration at missing the 2025 prize, which went to Maria Corina Machado.

Newsweek

Publicly mentioned candidates include Senator Lisa Murkowski, MP Aaja Chemnitz (Greenland), activist Yulia Navalnaya, Pope Leo, Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, Greta Thunberg, the International Criminal Court and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Lawmaker Lars Haltbrekken highlighted Murkowski’s and Chemnitz’s Arctic work “to build trust and secure a peaceful development of the Arctic region,” noting Trump’s “relentless push to acquire the island from NATO ally Denmark.”

Reuters

Harpviken warned that laureate Narges Mohammadi’s health is worsening after a prison heart attack. He said her sister’s recent visit revealed “quite alarming” reports and that “there is a lot of international pressure now,” urging Iranian authorities to release her for proper treatment.

The Independent

Observers note the nomination process is opaque; claims that Trump was nominated cannot be verified. Critics argue that a former head of state with a polarising record may undermine the prize’s credibility, especially when nominations can be made by a broad range of officials and academics without public oversight.

The Straits Times

William Hill lists Trump as the leading contender at 3/1 (?25 % chance). Kalshi assigns him 6 % and Polymarket 7 %, while both markets rank Yulia Navalnaya and Volodymyr Zelensky near the top. The spread shows divergent views on Trump’s odds.

Newsweek

• “Since I am new in the job, one of the things that has to some extent surprised me is how much renewal there is from year to year on the list.” — Kristian Berg Harpviken, Secretary, Norwegian Nobel Committee

The Independent

• “Her sister was able to visit her in prison yesterday and the reports coming out after that are actually quite alarming as to her health condition,” — Kristian Berg Harpviken

The Straits Times

• “Together they have worked relentlessly to build trust and to secure a peaceful development of the Arctic region over many years,” — Lars Haltbrekken, Norwegian lawmaker

Reuters

• “Although the Norwegian Nobel Committee have not confirmed that Donald Trump is among the 287 candidates for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, we make Trump the leading contender to take this year’s award,” — William Hill spokesperson

Newsweek

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate will be announced on 9 October 2026, with the ceremony on 10 December 2026. The full nominee list will stay sealed for 50 years.

The Straits Times