Oslo: The world is holding its breath today as the Norwegian Nobel Committee prepares to announce the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner in Oslo. The prestigious accolade, bestowed annually on individuals or organizations making exceptional contributions to peace, has attracted heightened global attention this year not least because of the controversial bid by former U.S. President Donald Trump to secure the prize.
The announcement follows a notable development in international diplomacy: a ceasefire in Gaza brokered under the Trump administration’s auspices. While this achievement has put Trump in the spotlight, experts caution that the Nobel Committee typically favors efforts with long-term, sustainable impact, rather than short-term diplomatic victories. Historian Theo Zenou, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, emphasized that “there’s a huge difference between stopping fighting temporarily and addressing the underlying causes of conflict.” He further noted that Trump’s disregard for multilateral institutions and global climate challenges might weigh against him in the committee’s deliberations.
Beyond Trump, several other candidates are being closely watched. The Peace Research Institute Oslo has highlighted several potential winners this year:
• Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a community-driven network that has become central to humanitarian efforts during the nation’s civil conflict.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), institutions recognized for their roles in upholding international law and justice.
• Committee to Protect Journalists, a U.S.-based organization championing press freedom and monitoring attacks against journalists worldwide.
Observers note that the Nobel Peace Prize often honors sustained, multilateral efforts and quiet, behind-the-scenes work, rather than headline-grabbing gestures. The committee’s decision this year is expected to reflect a careful balancing of impact, longevity, and global significance.
As the clock ticks toward the official announcement, speculation runs rampant: will the prize reward Trump’s recent diplomacy, or will it recognize organizations and individuals whose work strengthens the foundations of long-term global peace? Regardless of the outcome, today’s declaration promises to dominate headlines worldwide and ignite vigorous debate on what constitutes true and lasting contribution to peace.