Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Maria Corina Machado Tops the List

October 10, 2025 (PEN) The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that it has awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado, a prominent activist for democratic rights in Venezuela, in recognition of her ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful and just transition from dictatorship to democracy.

The committee described Machado as a symbol of civil courage in Latin America, for uniting the opposition in a country suffering from political repression and human rights violations, and for facing the risk of arrest and ongoing threats, while continuing to defend the freedom of the judiciary, human rights, and the people's right to freedom of expression.

At the same time, the committee commended the Sudanese emergency rooms, which were established after the outbreak of the conflict in 2023 to provide food, medical care, and evacuation to civilians. These rooms have gained international recognition as potential candidates for the Nobel Prize, although their nomination has not yet been officially announced. This is considered a recognition of the role of civil society in protecting lives amid war and destruction.

US President Donald Trump's name was removed from the list of candidates, amid fears of potential backlash against the committee's disregard for him, according to Norwegian observers.

The committee affirms that this year's award focuses on civil courage and the defense of democracy and human rights, and that true peace begins with protecting fundamental freedoms and empowering citizens to participate in managing their own affairs.