The founders of the Student Peace Prize felt strongly that the contributions of students in the struggle for peace, democracy and human rights is overlooked by the media and the public. To try to change this, they looked to find a way to highlight the role of students in peace processes worldwide.
The first Student Peace Prize, awarded on behalf of all students in Norway, was immediately well received. Among the first to praise the idea was then-chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, Mr. Francis Sejersted:
– This peace prize will have a double effect. First of all, it encourages and supports the prize winner and his cause. Secondly, it creates awareness among all students.
Now the Student Peace Prize is awarded every second year. The Laureate traditionally receives NOK 50 000 and is invited to Norway to receive the prize during the International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT). Former Laureates:
• 1999: Mr. Antero Benedito da Silva and the ETSSC, East-Timor
• 2001: The All Burma Federation of Students Unions and their leader Min Ko Naing
• 2003: Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), Zimbabwe
• 2005: Asociación Colombiana de Estudiantes Universitarios (ACEU), Colombia
• 2007: Ms. Charm Tong, Burma
• 2009: Ms. Elkouria “Rabab” Amidane, Western Sahara
The Student Peace Prize attracts considerable media attention to the laureates and the situation in their countries and gives the Laureates a unique opportunity to highlight their cause through meetings with political leaders and through lectures for students and academics. Former Laureates have met with the Norwegian Prime Minister, the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Norwegian Parliament and the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, in addition to major support groups and student unions.
Send your nomination(s) to nominations@studentpeaceprize.org.