The International Children’s Peace Prize is a prestigious annual award presented to a young changemaker who has demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication in fighting for children’s rights. Awarded by the KidsRights Foundation, this prize offers the winner a global platform to amplify their message and continue their impactful work. The 2026 prize will mark the 22nd time this honor has been bestowed upon a remarkable child.
Award Benefits
- Project Funding: A project fund of €100,000 is invested by KidsRights to support projects connected to the winner’s cause in their home country.
- Global Platform: The winner gains international recognition and a platform to share their story and advocate for children’s rights on a global scale.
- The ‘Nkosi’ Statuette: The winner is presented with the “Nkosi” statuette, a unique symbol of their achievement, named in memory of the first recipient, Nkosi Johnson.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for nomination, the child must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be between 12 and 17 years old at the time of the nomination deadline.
- Action & Impact: Must have a clear history of standing up for the rights of themselves and other children, with actions that have resulted in a demonstrable impact.
- Global Reach: The prize is open to children from any country in the world.
Application Process
This is a nomination-based award; children cannot nominate themselves.
- Nomination Deadline: The deadline for submitting nominations is March 31, 2026.
- How to Nominate: An adult or an organization must nominate the child by completing the official nomination form on the KidsRights Foundation website.
- Selection: An expert committee reviews all nominations and selects the winner.
Application Link:
For complete details on the nomination process and to submit a nomination for a deserving young changemaker, please visit the official prize page.
