‘I still want to verify this’: Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay’s first reaction

On October 9, 2026, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, an 85-year-old South African judge and former UN human rights chief who served on the International Court of Justice. The committee recognized her extensive efforts in promoting peace and international law at a time when these frameworks are under increasing pressure globally. Despite speculation and lobbying from Donald Trump — who had been actively campaigning for the prize due to unsubstantiated claims about his contributions to world peace — Pillay’s dedication to justice and human rights was deemed more deserving by the committee.

The award ceremony, often seen as the most prestigious honor in the world, comes amidst a backdrop of rising global conflicts and attacks on international legal institutions. The Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasized that resolving conflicts without resorting to violence depends heavily on the adherence to an international rule of law, highlighting Pillay’s lifelong work towards this goal.