Norwegian Nobel Committee

When you hear about the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the body appointed by the Norwegian Parliament to select Nobel Peace Prize laureates each year. Also known as Nobel Committee, it operates out of Oslo, the Norwegian capital, and follows the instructions left by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor whose will created the Nobel Foundation. The committee’s work connects history, diplomacy and global activism—it evaluates nominations, holds confidential deliberations, and ultimately announces the prize in December.

How the Committee Shapes the Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize, one of the five Nobel awards is the most visible outcome of the committee’s decisions. A typical year starts with hundreds of confidential nominations, then narrows down to a shortlist after rigorous vetting. The committee’s criteria emphasize tangible contributions to peace, human rights, and conflict resolution, which means the laureates often include activists, NGOs, and sometimes political figures. This process requires a deep understanding of international affairs and a commitment to impartiality, linking the committee’s work to broader diplomatic networks and the United Nations.

Because the Norwegian Nobel Committee is a public institution, its actions are closely watched. Recent debates have centered on transparency in the nomination process and the balance between political and civil‑society candidates. The committee’s decisions also influence global media coverage, shaping public perception of what peace activism looks like. As you explore the stories below, you’ll see how the committee’s choices intersect with current events, historic milestones, and the personal journeys of each laureate.

Below, you’ll find a curated selection of articles that unpack the committee’s history, its latest announcements, and the impact of each Nobel Peace Prize on the world stage. Dive in to get a fuller picture of how this small group in Oslo helps steer the conversation on global peace.