We present the 2026 US Peace Prize. But first, I want to share a few words about our country and the mission of the US Peace Memorial Foundation.
By Michael D. Knox, PhD, Chair, US Peace Memorial Foundation
The U.S. is obsessed with celebrating a military that has invaded well over 30 countries since the end of World War II, killing millions. Since then, no other country has been responsible for murdering and injuring more people. Ending our war culture begins with refocusing to honor the heroes who bravely speak out against war, militarism, genocide, weapons of mass destruction, and other hostile actions that endanger peace.
The US Peace Memorial Foundation is the only organization dedicated exclusively to celebrating antiwar leaders and activists whose example inspires others to work for peace.
The Foundation documents and honors the work of over 300 courageous Americans and organizations by publishing the US Peace Registry, raising funds to build the US Peace Memorial as a national monument, and awarding the annual US Peace Prize. Join us at USPeaceMemorial.org.
Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded the US Peace Prize to recognize and honor the most outstanding and prominent American antiwar leaders. We celebrate these extraordinary role models to inspire other Americans to speak out against war.
Distinguished organizations that have received the US Peace Prize over the years include Friends Committee on National Legislation, National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth, Costs of War, World BEYOND War, Veterans For Peace, and CODEPINK. This year, the final nominees for the US Peace Prize are Peace Action, Win Without War, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom US.
I am honored to announce that Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom US is the distinguished recipient of the 2026 US Peace Prize “For 111 Years of Women’sLeadership Against War and Militarism and for the Global Abolition of Nuclear Weapons.”
WILPF US is a feminist peacebuilding organization that has worked to create peaceful transformations. It advances disarmament and peace through public education, advocacy, and organizing campaigns that challenge militarism, genocide, and nuclear weapons. Please read more details in the US Peace Registry.
CONGRATULATIONS! And thank you, WILPF US, for your crucial antiwar activism. The US Peace Prize is a prestigious honor that will help call attention to and reinforce your important work for peace.
The 18th annual US Peace Prize was held at the People Forum in NYC on Saturday, September 26, 2026.