Applications are now open for the 2026 KidsRights International Children’s Peace Prize. This year marks the 22nd time the International Children’s Peace Prize will be awarded to a young changemaker who is fighting courageously for children’s rights. Launched by KidsRights during the 2005 World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, the International Children’s Peace Prize is presented every year by a Nobel Peace Laureate. The previous laureates include outstanding young changemakers such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg to name a few.

The International Children’s Peace Prize 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious global awards recognizing children and youth who are advancing children’s rights through courageous and impactful action.

What Is the International Children’s Peace Prize?

The International Children’s Peace Prize is awarded every year to a child anywhere in the world who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of children.

Key facts about the prize:

• Founded in 2005 by the KidsRights Foundation
• Launched during the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome
• Presented annually by a Nobel Peace Laureate
• Recognized globally as the most prestigious award for young changemakers

Benefits for Finalists and Nominees

• Top 3 finalists
  • Professionally produced video highlighting their changemaking work
• Top 30 nominees
  • Global visibility across KidsRights’ social media platforms
• All eligible nominees
  • Featured on the KidsRights website
  • Official certificate from KidsRights Foundation
  • Opportunity to join the global digital platform State of Youth, connecting young changemakers to mentorship, networks, and funding opportunities

Prize:

The winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize receives:

1. The Nkosi statuette presented during a globally celebrated and broadcasted ceremony.
2. The Desmond Tutu Study and Care Fund to contribute to the winner’s education.
3. The International Children’s Peace Prize Project Fund, out of which €50.000 is for the winner’s project. KidsRights further invests €25.000 in projects of young changemakers related to the theme of the winner.
4. A global platform to amplify the winner’s message and increase the results of their changemaking.  

Requirements

1. A child above 12 years and under 18 years of age, from anywhere in the world.
2. The child must have a clear history of fighting for the rights of children.
3. The child’s changemaking efforts must have led to a concrete positive result on the rights of children, locally, nationally or globally.
4. The child must have agreed to be nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize.
5. Individuals and groups of children, of not more than five, can be nominated. Organizations cannot be nominated.

Application Deadline: 31st March 2026

Click Here to Apply Now

Also Read: Other Opportunities to Apply

Also Apply for the 2025 Strategic-Technical Support Program – Capacity Building for NGOs and CBOs with Funding Opportunities Available