Nominations are Now Open for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 – Celebrating Young Changemakers Worldwide

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

The International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 is now open for nominations, offering a prestigious global platform to honor young changemakers who are courageously advocating for children’s rights and creating lasting impact in their communities.

Presented annually by KidsRights, this award celebrates extraordinary children who are driving positive change for others. Since its inception, the International Children’s Peace Prize has empowered youth leaders worldwide, shining a light on their dedication to justice, equality, and children’s well-being.

A Prestigious Global Recognition for Young Leaders

Each year, the International Children’s Peace Prize recognizes a young individual or group of children who have made remarkable efforts to advance the rights and welfare of children. The winner receives the Nkosi statuette, named after the late Nkosi Johnson, a young South African AIDS activist and the prize’s first recipient.

In addition to the statuette, the winner receives educational support from the Desmond Tutu Study and Care Fund—named in honor of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the late patron of KidsRights—and access to global opportunities to amplify their cause.

Empowering Young Changemakers

The International Children’s Peace Prize extends beyond recognition. Every nominee becomes part of a global movement through the KidsRights Foundation and its State of Youth platform. This network connects young activists from around the world, enabling them to collaborate, receive mentorship, and gain visibility for their initiatives.

Nominees are featured on the KidsRights website and awarded an official certificate, affirming their contributions to children’s rights. This visibility provides invaluable exposure and credibility, encouraging more young people to take action in their communities.

Funding for Impactful Projects

The prize also includes substantial project funding designed to strengthen and expand the winner’s work. The International Children’s Peace Prize Project Fund allocates:

• €50,000 directly to the winner’s project, supporting initiatives that create tangible improvements in children’s lives.
• €25,000 to support other young changemakers whose projects align with the annual theme of the winning initiative.

This financial backing empowers winners to scale their efforts, build sustainability, and reach more beneficiaries across borders.

Who Can Be Nominated

The International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 is open to:

• Children aged 12 to 17 from any country.
• Those with a proven track record of promoting and protecting children’s rights.
• Individuals or groups of up to five children actively engaged in social impact work that has achieved measurable results.

Nominees must give their consent to be nominated. While individuals and child-led groups can apply, organizations themselves are not eligible.

A Rigorous Selection Process

An independent Expert Committee reviews all nominations, evaluating each candidate’s contribution, leadership, and measurable impact. Shortlisted nominees undergo a detailed review by KidsRights, which may include field verification and interviews.

The selected winner is then celebrated during a globally broadcast ceremony, offering international visibility and recognition. This celebration not only honors the child’s achievements but also amplifies their message to inspire millions worldwide.

Key Dates and Details

• Nominations Open: December 15, 2025
• Deadline: March 31, 2026 (17:00 CET)
• Awarding Organization: KidsRights Foundation
• Prize Amount: €50,000 for the winner’s project + €25,000 for related initiatives

By nominating a deserving young changemaker, individuals and organizations can help spotlight the next generation of leaders shaping a fairer, more inclusive world for children.

Why This Prize Matters

The International Children’s Peace Prize has become one of the most influential global platforms for youth advocacy. It empowers young people to be recognized not as victims of circumstances, but as powerful agents of change. Past winners have championed causes ranging from education and environmental justice to ending child labor and promoting girls’ rights.

By honoring their courage, the prize inspires others to take action and demonstrates that age is no barrier to leadership or impact.

How to Nominate

Nominations for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 are open until March 31, 2026. Anyone who knows a young changemaker working tirelessly to advance children’s rights is encouraged to submit a nomination through the official KidsRights website.

Give young voices the opportunity to shine on a global stage and contribute to a world where every child can grow, learn, and thrive in dignity and peace.

For more information and to submit your nomination.CLICK HERE

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