The International Children’s Peace Prize 2026 is an annual recognition award presented to young people aged 12 to 18 for their exceptional work advancing children’s rights worldwide. Nominees can be from anywhere in the world and must have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting peace and defending children’s rights, either locally or globally. The peace prize winners will receive up to €50,000 to support their projects, a Nkosi bronze statuette, and support from the Desmond Tutu Study and Care Fund for their education. Applications for nominees are open until March 31, 2026, at 17:00 CET.
About The International Children’s Peace Prize 2026
The International Children’s Peace Prize is awarded by the KidsRights Foundation, an international children’s human rights organisation based in the Netherlands. The foundation supports young people aged 12 to 18 who have worked tirelessly to advocate for peace and promote children’s rights, both locally and globally. The foundation works to empower vulnerable children and protect their rights through advocacy, strategic litigation, child rights programmes and international awareness. The peace prize recognises the efforts of these young changemakers and spotlights them on the global stage.
Aside from the monetary value that comes with the peace prize, the young changemakers also receive up to €25,000 front the KidsRights Foundation to support the projects. Organisations are not allowed to nominate themselves as nominees may be individuals within the age range or a group of children not more than five. The prize ceremony is an annual event that is held in The Hague, Netherlands; however, the dates vary.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: €25,000-€50,000
- Maximum award: €50,000
- Project duration supported: Not specified
Up to €50,000 in award funds are available for the prize winner’s project. Also, the KidsRights movement invests €25,000 in projects by young changemakers.
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Who Can Apply for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026
- Eligible organisation types:
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- Individuals and children, not more than five in a group.
- Registration requirements:
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- Nominees should be between the ages of 12 and 18 years.
- Nominees can be from any part of the world that focuses on the impact on their society.
- The nominee must have prior experience in fighting for the rights of young children.
- The child to be nominated must also be willing to be nominated for the peace prize.
- Geographic eligibility: Worldwide.
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Children’s rights
- Peace building
- Advocacy
- Social justice
- Community leadership.
Application Process
- Visit the official prize website to review the guidelines for nominating a winner.
- Fill and submit the nomination form with the necessary details.
- Upon the completion of the review of all nominations, successful nominees will be notified.
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Required Materials
- Completed nomination form
- Case summary
- Supporting evidence
- References or endorsement letters
Key Dates
- Application deadline: March 31, 2026, at 17:00 CET
- Notification timeline: Not specified
Selection Notes
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- The peace prize is competitive and prestigious, with nominees accepted from around the world.
- Priority focus areas: Demonstrable impact on children’s rights, peace advocacy, community or societal change, and inspiring leadership by young people.
- Exclusions:
- Organisations can not apply.
- Adults over the age of 18.
- Nominees are not focusing on improving children’s rights.
Official Source of the International Children’s Peace Prize 2026
- Official Application Page: https://www.kidsrights.org/nominations-open-for-international-childrens-peace-prize-2026/