The Commonwealth Peace Prize will be awarded to a distinguished peacebuilder with a strong track record of faith-based engagement in conflict resolution, promotion of social cohesion, and sustainable peace. The prize organised and delivered by the Khalili Foundation in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, is a part of the Commonwealth Faith Festival and Faith in the Commonwealth Initiative.

The prize aims to:

• build capacity and amplify awareness about impactful youth-led and intergenerational partnerships that promote peace across the diverse geographical, cultural, religious and ethnic groups in the Commonwealth
• promote dialogue and innovative peacebuilding methods to support greater harmony across the Commonwealth

Benefits of Commonwealth Peace Prize Award

The winner will be presented with a citation and a letter of award outlining a financial award of £50,000 to be used to continue their work.

The final shortlist of candidates will not be published. However, candidates from the shortlist may be invited to participate in Commonwealth Faith Festival activities.

Requirements for Commonwealth Peace Prize Award

Institutions are not eligible to receive the Prize.

The winner of the Prize will be a living, distinguished and long-serving individual/ Commonwealth citizen over the age of 30 who.

Is considered a respected and trusted broker between conflicting parties, with a strong and lengthy track record of successful peacebuilding in Commonwealth societies.

Has built sustainable mechanisms, institutions or processes for dialogue which have, based on objective evaluation, contributed to a definitive end to conflict, lasting peace, social cohesion, or other observed positive change.

Has, in the pursuit of those efforts, consistently used their significant influence to promote the Commonwealth values of tolerance, respect, understanding, moderation, celebration of cultural, racial, ethnic diversity and religious freedom; and

Has used principles of religious faith and/or faith in the Commonwealth Charter to create positive and sustainable peace towards the aim of free and democratic societies and inclusive development.

Individuals who have received other international peace prizes or have been recognised for their efforts at a high level are eligible for nomination.

Selection Process

A Commonwealth Peace Prize Committee under the banner of the Commonwealth Faith Festival project will prepare the first shortlist for consideration by a panel of judges.

A high-level panel of judges will select a winner in February 2025

The Secretary-General will announce the winner during Commonwealth Week in 2025 at a special ceremony.

Application Deadline

January 17, 2025

How to Apply

Nominations must be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretariat by email to [email protected]

Nominations must be submitted as an official letter of recommendation, including an impact biography of the candidate, which outlines how the candidate meets all the specified criteria.

For further information please contact Mr Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development or Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts, Research Manager at [email protected].