The European Union wins the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five original Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, and is awarded annually to individuals, organizations, or movements that have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace. The Nobel Prizes were first awarded in 1901, following Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.
Categories: The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the following categories: Peace and Diplomacy, Human Rights and Advocacy, Disarmament and Conflict Resolution, and other peace-promoting efforts.
Nobel Committee: The Norwegian Nobel Committee is responsible for selecting the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. While the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Sweden, the Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway.
Criteria: According to Alfred Nobel’s will, the Peace Prize is to be awarded to the person or entity that has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
Nomination and Selection: The process for selecting Nobel Peace Prize laureates is highly secretive. Nominations are made by a range of qualified individuals and organizations, including members of national governments, university professors, former laureates, and others. The names of the nominees and other information related to the selection process are kept confidential for 50 years.
Notable Laureates: The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to numerous individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to peace and diplomacy. Some notable laureates include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and many others.
Presentation: The Nobel Peace Prize is typically presented on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The award ceremony takes place in Oslo, Norway, and includes the presentation of a medal, a diploma, and a substantial monetary award.
Controversies: Like any major award, the Nobel Peace Prize has faced its share of controversies and criticisms. Some laureates have been criticized for their actions after receiving the prize, and there have been debates about omissions and selections.
Legacy: The Nobel Peace Prize has played a significant role in highlighting the work of individuals and organizations committed to peace and human rights. It remains one of the most prestigious international awards