The Nobel Peace Prize originated in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will, where he set aside part of his fortune for prizes recognizing major contributions to humanity, including peace. It was first awarded in 1901, and the peace prize is administered in Norway by a committee chosen by the Norwegian parliament.

Origin story

Alfred Nobel was a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur best known for dynamite, and he wanted his legacy to be tied to achievements that benefited humankind rather than destruction. In his will, he specified that the peace prize should go to the person who had done the most for “fraternity between nations,” reducing standing armies, and promoting peace congresses.

Why Norway

A distinctive part of the prize’s origin is that Nobel assigned the peace prize to a Norwegian committee, even though he was Swedish. That decision became a defining feature of the award and is why the Nobel Peace Prize is announced in Oslo, while most other Nobel prizes are handled in Sweden.

Early history

The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, with the Peace Prize included from the start. Over time, the award broadened from classical peace efforts like diplomacy and disarmament to include human rights, humanitarian work, and international cooperation.

In one line

So, the Nobel Peace Prize began as Alfred Nobel’s posthumous attempt to use his fortune to reward work that advanced peace and international brotherhood.