Press Release
Berlin, 21 September 2026 — The International Peace Bureau (IPB) has announced the shortlist of nominations for the 2026 Seán MacBride Peace Prize, recognising individuals and organisations whose work has made a significant contribution to peace, disarmament and human rights.
Named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former IPB President Seán MacBride, the prize celebrates the values at the heart of his lifelong work: international cooperation, human rights, peace and disarmament.
“In these moments of increasing global tensions, violence, militarism, and war, the nominees have all demonstrated courageous action for a more peaceful and just future,” said Sean Conner, Executive Director of IPB, “together they show the modern face of the international movement for peace – multifaceted and diverse in their actions and approaches, and united in their commitment and tireless activism across borders.”
The 2026 nominees are:
- Walden Bello, scholar, author and political activist, nominated for his longstanding work on global inequality, political economy and social justice from the Philippines.
- Jackson Kisangani, peace and climate justice organiser from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, nominated for his work mobilising young people and building cooperation among movements across Central and Eastern Africa.
- Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, nominated for her international human-rights advocacy and engagement with UN mechanisms and civil society.
- Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Sumud Flotilla and Nuestra América, jointly nominated for international solidarity initiatives focused on challenging blockades and highlighting their humanitarian consequences, particularly in Gaza and Cuba.
The nominations demonstrate the breadth of today’s global peace movement—from youth mobilisation and scholarship to peace and human rights advocacy and international solidarity.
The 2026 shortlist and is selected by the IPB Board. The final decision on this year’s award will be made by the Board later this month, following consideration of the nominations.
The Seán MacBride Peace Prize honours the legacy of a statesman and peace campaigner who devoted his life to human rights, disarmament and international peace, including through his leadership of the IPB and his contribution to the movement for global disarmament.
Media contact:
International Peace Bureau
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