The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Khalili Foundation have launched the Commonwealth Peace Prize, which aims to reward excellence in peacebuilding and celebrate long-serving standard-bearers who are also role models for young people.

The Commonwealth Peace Prize will be awarded triennially to a distinguished peacebuilder with a strong track record of faith and values-based engagement in conflict resolution, promotion of social cohesion, and sustainable peace.

Launching the prize through a special message on the International Day of Peace on 21 September 2024, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:

“Our Commonwealth is a very special family, home to diverse nations, cultures, and peoples. We have a common thread of belief in peace, democracy, and the inherent dignity of every individual. Our collective commitment to peace is enshrined in our Commonwealth Charter – and is that from which we draw our strength.

“As we mark the International Day of Peace, I hope we recognise that building peace is not the responsibility of governments or organisations alone—it is something we all share.”

Celebrating global peacebuilders

The prize will be awarded to a distinguished Commonwealth citizen over the age of 30 who has contributed to a definitive end to conflict, building lasting peace, or other observed positive change, which meaningfully contributes to establishing peace.

Commenting on the role of faith in bolstering peacebuilding efforts around the world, the Founder and Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, said:

“We believe faith can serve as a powerful peacebuilder. So, on the International Day of Peace, we are delighted to announce our partnership with the Commonwealth to conceive, fund and deliver the landmark Commonwealth Peace Prize as part of the Commonwealth Faith Festival.

“We hope it will inspire people across the Commonwealth and beyond to act in service of peace and harmony.”

The Commonwealth Peace Prize is a part of the Faith in the Commonwealth Initiative, a partnership launched in 2017 by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Khalili Foundation to promote innovative peace-building methods to support greater harmony across the Commonwealth. 

Next Steps

• Nominations from governments and Commonwealth accredited organisations close on 31 December 2024.
• The Secretary-General will announce the winner during Commonwealth Week in 2025.
• The winner will receive a financial award of £50,000 to be used to continue their work.

Learn more about the Commonwealth Peace Prize