Nobel Peace Prize 2022

This year’s Peace Prize was shared by an individual and two organisations representing civil society in their countries.

Natallia Pinchuk, Jan Rachinsky and Oleksandra Matviichuk represented Nobel Peace Prize laureates Ales Bialiatski of Belarus, the organisation Memorial of Russia and the Center for Civil Liberties of Ukraine. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB

Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, lauded the Peace Prize laureates as “champions of peace” in her speech highlighting the grounds for the committee’s award decision.

“They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human rights abuses and abuses of power. Together, they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy,” said Ms Reiss-Andersen. She added that the “ultimate source of authority” for a democratic government is its people.

King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon at the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo City Hall. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB

“I know that the night ends”

The Nobel Committee Chair noted that the gathering in Oslo was taking place at a time of widespread conflict and uncertainty.

“In the face of this multitude of crises and challenges,” Ms Reiss-Andersen said, “the world needs dedicated scientists and people who relentlessly seek the truth and push the boundaries of our knowledge. And the world needs those admirable individuals and groups of people who at great personal sacrifice challenge repressive authorities and stand up against aggression in pursuit of democracy, human rights and peace.”

Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, speaks during the award ceremony. Photo: Rodrigo Freitas / NTB

Natallia Pinchuk accepted the diploma and medal on behalf of her husband, Ales Bialiatski, who is imprisoned in Belarus. In her Nobel Lecture, she stated that the award had strengthened her husband’s resolve to stand by his convictions in the fight for democracy.

“I know that the night ends and then the morning comes with light. I know that what pushes us forward tirelessly is hope and a dream,” she said, quoting her husband.

Memorial and the Center for Civil Liberties were represented by the heads of their boards of directors, Jan Rachinsky and Oleksandra Matviichuk respectively.

Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony, 2022. Photo: Rodrigo Freitas / NTB

The King and Queen and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess congratulated the representatives of this year’s Peace Prize laureates and greeted the Norwegian Nobel Committee members. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB

Audience at the Royal Palace

Before the award ceremony, His Majesty King Harald granted an audience at the Royal Palace to the representatives of the Peace Prize laureates. Her Majesty Queen Sonja and Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were also in attendance.

Crown Prince Haakon, Jan Rachinsky, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Natallia Pinchuk, King Harald, Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in the Bird Room at the Royal Palace. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court

Save the Children’s Peace Prize Party

Save the Children celebrates the Nobel Peace Prize in a special way each year. On Saturday morning, the Peace Prize recipients and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were invited to take part in the Peace Prize Party for children at the Nobel Peace Center.

The organisers were 12 pupils in year seven at Grünerløkka, Kampen and Vålerenga schools. They planned and led this year’s event.

Natallia Pinchuk being interviewed during this year’s Save the Children Peace Prize Party. Photo: Annika Byrde / NTB 

In the evening, the King and Queen and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess attended the traditional Nobel Peace Prize banquet at the Grand Hotel.

Banquet at the Grand Hotel in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB