The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the Khalili Foundation, has introduced the Commonwealth Peace Prize, a prestigious new award recognizing excellence in peacebuilding. This award aims to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to conflict resolution and the promotion of lasting peace, while serving as role models for future generations. The initiative seeks to highlight the essential role of peacebuilders, acknowledging their efforts to foster social cohesion and sustainable peace.
The Peace Prize will be awarded every three years to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to faith and values-based engagement in peacebuilding. Eligible candidates will have a proven track record in resolving conflicts, promoting social unity, and creating positive change in communities impacted by violence or unrest. This initiative is expected to enhance the visibility of peacebuilding efforts across the Commonwealth, inspiring others to contribute to the global peace movement.
International Day of Peace Launch
The Commonwealth Peace Prize was officially launched on 21 September 2024, during the International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to strengthening ideals of peace globally. In a special message marking the launch, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, spoke of the importance of peace as a core value of the Commonwealth. She emphasized the shared responsibility that all individuals, not just governments and organizations, have in maintaining and promoting peace.
“The Commonwealth is a unique family, a union of nations with diverse cultures and traditions, but united in our commitment to peace, democracy, and the dignity of every human being,” said Scotland. “Our Commonwealth Charter enshrines this collective commitment, serving as the foundation of our strength. On this International Day of Peace, it is crucial to recognize that peacebuilding is not just the duty of governments or large organizations, but something that belongs to all of us.”
Her message called for greater collective action in fostering peace and understanding across different communities, emphasizing the importance of individual efforts in contributing to global peace initiatives.
Celebrating Global Peacebuilders
The Commonwealth Peace Prize will specifically honor a Commonwealth citizen who is over 30 years of age, having demonstrated significant contributions to conflict resolution and the establishment of lasting peace in their community or country. The award will highlight individuals whose efforts have resulted in a definitive end to conflicts, the creation of peaceful solutions, or other positive transformations that have directly contributed to peacebuilding. These peacebuilders act as beacons of hope, inspiring others to follow their example in the pursuit of peace and social harmony.
In his remarks on the role of faith in peacebuilding, Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, Founder and Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, highlighted the potential of faith to contribute to peace efforts worldwide. “Faith has the power to bring people together and foster peace. Through our partnership with the Commonwealth, we are excited to announce the creation of the Commonwealth Peace Prize as part of the Commonwealth Faith Festival. We believe this initiative will inspire individuals across the Commonwealth and beyond to work towards peace and unity,” Khalili said.
The Commonwealth Peace Prize is more than just an award—it is a platform for celebrating the unsung heroes who have dedicated their lives to fostering peace in their communities. By recognizing these outstanding individuals, the Prize aims to motivate others to act in the service of peace, leveraging faith and values as driving forces for social change.
Faith in the Commonwealth Initiative
The creation of the Commonwealth Peace Prize is part of a broader initiative known as Faith in the Commonwealth, which was launched in 2017 by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Khalili Foundation. The initiative seeks to promote innovative and faith-based approaches to peacebuilding, working to cultivate greater harmony across the Commonwealth’s member states. Through this partnership, the Commonwealth aims to foster an environment where individuals and communities are empowered to lead peace efforts grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.
As part of the Faith in the Commonwealth Initiative, the Peace Prize will not only recognize individual achievements but also encourage the exploration of new methods for resolving conflicts and promoting social cohesion. The Commonwealth and the Khalili Foundation are committed to ensuring that the award serves as a catalyst for positive change, driving forward the global peace agenda by promoting collaborative efforts across cultures, faiths, and borders.
A Call to Action
The Commonwealth Peace Prize marks a significant step forward in recognizing and supporting peacebuilding efforts across the world. It underscores the vital role that individuals play in resolving conflicts, and highlights the importance of faith, values, and social cohesion in building lasting peace. By awarding this prize every three years, the Commonwealth and the Khalili Foundation hope to inspire a new generation of peacebuilders who will carry forward the mission of creating a more peaceful, harmonious world.
As the Commonwealth continues to advocate for peace, initiatives like the Commonwealth Peace Prize will ensure that the efforts of those who dedicate their lives to this cause are acknowledged and celebrated. With the support of international organizations, governments, and individuals, the Commonwealth is committed to upholding the ideals of peace, fostering unity, and creating a more just and peaceful world for all.
