South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, 85, won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on 9 October 2026 for her efforts to promote peace and international law, according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
- Contribution: She worked to uphold international law, hold governments and national leaders accountable, and support victims of violence and conflict.
- Anti-apartheid work: Early in her career, she defended Nelson Mandela and others who opposed apartheid in South Africa.
- International role: She served as a judge in important international court cases and chaired the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- Gaza report: The commission concluded in 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejected the report as “scandalous.”
- Prize money: 12 million Swedish kronor (approximately US$1.2 million).
- Award ceremony: The prize is scheduled to be presented in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December 2026, the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, who established the Nobel Prizes through his 1895 will.
- Previous winner: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
