International Children's Peace Prize
50,000 euro project fund
An annual worldwide award for a child aged 13 to 17 whose work has changed children's rights, entered by adult nomination rather than self-application.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 2 or more
Duration
One annual cycle: nominations close in March, assessment runs from May to September, and the winner is announced at the November ceremony.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to a child above 12 and under 18 years, who may not be older than 17 at the time of nomination. The child must have a clear history of standing up for children's rights that has led to a concrete result, must consent to the nomination, and must be able to travel abroad and communicate comfortably with others. Individual children or groups of children may be nominated; organisations may not. Nominations are submitted by an adult, never by the child.
- Age range
- 13 to 17 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Documented history of standing up for children's rights
- Changemaking work that has led to a concrete result
- Consent of the child to be nominated
- Able to travel abroad and communicate comfortably with others
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
50,000 euro project fund
The International Children's Peace Prize Project Fund awards 50,000 euro for the winner's own project. KidsRights invests a further 25,000 euro in the projects of other young changemakers working on the theme of the winner.
Prizes
Nkosi statuette
The winner receives the Nkosi statuette, crafted afresh each year, at a globally broadcast ceremony. Each of the top three finalists receives a professionally produced video showcasing their changemaking work.
Certificate
Certificate for eligible nominees
Every eligible nominee receives a certificate from the organiser and may be featured on its website.
Recognition
Worldwide platform for the winner
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 31 Mar 2026
How to apply
- 1An adult nominator informs the child about the prize and obtains their consent to be nominated
- 2The nominator completes the online nomination form with the child's details, background, actions and measured impact
- 3A photograph of the nominee and a signed authorisation form are uploaded with the nomination
- 4The Expert Committee assesses the nominations and KidsRights investigates the shortlisted nominees, sometimes with a local visit
- 5The top thirty nominees and then the top three finalists are announced, and the winner is named at the award ceremony
Rules and guidelines
- Self-nomination is not accepted; an adult must submit the nomination
- Organisations cannot be nominated, only children or groups of children
- Every member of a nominated group must have co-initiated the work
- A child nominated in an earlier year may be nominated again
- Corrections to a submitted form are accepted by email up to the deadline
Technology requirements
- Internet access to complete the online nomination form
About this opportunity
The International Children's Peace Prize is an annual global award from the KidsRights Foundation for a child whose own work has produced real change for children's rights. Children do not enter themselves: they are nominated by an adult.
Any individual or organisation may nominate a child above 12 and under 18 years from any country, provided the child consents. A group of children may be nominated together when every member co-initiated the work. Organisations themselves cannot be nominated.
An independent Expert Committee of international children's rights experts assesses every nomination, KidsRights reviews and investigates the shortlisted nominees, and the top thirty and then the top three finalists are announced before the winner is named at the award ceremony.
The winner receives the Nkosi statuette, the Desmond Tutu Study and Care Fund towards their education, a project fund for their own initiative, and a worldwide platform for their message. Every eligible nominee receives a certificate and access to the State of Youth network of young changemakers.
Rounds and format
The first stage is the nomination itself, submitted online by an adult on the child's behalf with supporting evidence of the child's work and its measured reach. In the second stage the Expert Committee assesses every eligible nomination between May and September, while KidsRights reviews and investigates the shortlisted nominees and may carry out a local visit to a nominee. In the third stage the top thirty nominees are announced in October, the top three finalists are announced in November, and the Expert Committee's chosen winner is revealed at the award ceremony in November.
How entries are judged
Nominations are assessed on the child's clear history of standing up for their own rights and those of other children, the active approach the child took towards that goal, and the concrete positive result the work achieved for children's rights locally, nationally or globally. The nomination also records the number of people reached online and in person, the awards and recognition already received, and how the child plans to increase their impact.
Selection process
The Expert Committee assesses all eligible nominations between May and September. KidsRights then reviews and investigates the shortlisted nominees, and a local visit to a nominee may form part of that review. The top thirty nominees are announced in October and the top three finalists in November. After all reviews are complete the Expert Committee selects the winner, who is announced at the award ceremony and presented with the prize by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of success in this global competition?
Participants can strengthen their nomination by clearly articulating the concrete results of their work for children's rights, demonstrating an active approach, and providing verifiable evidence of impact. Highlighting the reach of their work, both online and in person, is also beneficial.
What are common pitfalls or mistakes applicants should avoid during the nomination process?
A common mistake is self-nomination, as only an adult can submit a nomination on behalf of a child. Nominations should also avoid vague descriptions of impact, instead focusing on specific, measurable outcomes and the child's direct involvement in initiating the work.
How does the competition support the long-term impact and advocacy efforts of its winners?
The prize provides a 50,000 euro project fund for the winner's initiative, along with a worldwide platform to amplify their message. This support helps winners scale their projects and continue their advocacy for children's rights on a global stage.
What kind of support is available for nominees who experience media attention?
The nominating adult is expected to guide the child through any media attention. The KidsRights Foundation also publishes a child protection policy to ensure the well-being of all nominated children throughout the process and during public engagements.
How does the Expert Committee evaluate the impact of a child's work on children's rights?
The Expert Committee assesses nominations based on the child's clear history of advocacy, the active approach taken, and the concrete positive results achieved for children's rights. They also consider the number of people reached and future plans for increasing impact.
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