Extraordinary people around the world have powerful solutions for the world’s biggest problems. Together, we can make sure their voices are heard. Together, we can create a peaceful, fair, just and compassionate world that cares for people and planet.
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Sydney Peace Prize Recipients

  • 2023 Nazanin Boniadi

    …despots fear nothing more than a free and politically active woman.

    2023 Nazanin Boniadi
  • 2021-22 Uluru Statement from the Heart

    The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people to walk with First Nations people to create a better future.

    2021-22 Uluru Statement from the Heart
  • 2019 The Me Too movement

    Every human being has the right to walk through this life with their full humanity in tact. Part of the work of the Me Too movement is the restoration of that humanity.

    2019 The Me Too movement
  • 2018 Professor Joseph Stiglitz

    Inequality is created. We know the economic and social policies with which we can build a better world. The challenge today is our politics.

    2018 Professor Joseph Stiglitz
  • 2017 Black Lives Matter

    Black Lives Matter is our call to action. It is a tool to reimagine a world where Black people are free to exist, free to live, and a tool for our allies to show up for us.

    2017 Black Lives Matter
  • 2016 Naomi Klein

    What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we’re ever going to get to build a better world?

    2016 Naomi Klein
  • 2015 Dr George Gittoes AM

    I’d rather send an army of musicians, artists, painters and communicators, than battalions of soldiers with their guns

    2015 Dr George Gittoes AM
  • 2014 Julian Burnside AO QC

    Some of us remember how things once were, some of us see how things could be

    2014 Julian Burnside AO QC
  • 2013 Dr Cynthia Maung

    For communities to start to heal and move towards peace after decades of conflict and oppression, civil society must be strong

    2013 Dr Cynthia Maung
  • 2012 Senator Sekai Holland

    Give peace a chance but keep the pressure on

    2012 Senator Sekai Holland
  • 2011 Professor Noam Chomsky

    Changes and progress very rarely are gifts from above. They come out of struggles from below

    2011 Professor Noam Chomsky
  • 2010 Dr Vandana Shiva

    You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you

    2010 Dr Vandana Shiva
  • 2009 John Pilger

    Peace is only possible with justice and with information that gives us the power to act justly

    2009 John Pilger
  • 2008 Patrick Dodson

    Leadership is an elusive concept, hard to describe and impossible to prescribe. It is more evident in its absence, so that when leadership is needed, its lack is sorely felt

    2008 Patrick Dodson
  • 2007 Hans Blix

    Disarmament by war and democracy by occupation are difficult prospects

    2007 Hans Blix
  • 2006 Irene Khan

    There can be no peace without justice and respect for human rights

    2006 Irene Khan
  • 2005 Olara Otunnu

    The time has come to make the protection of all our children a common cause that can unite us across our political orientation, religious affiliation and cultural traditions

    2005 Olara Otunnu
  • 2004 Arundhati Roy

    Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing

    2004 Arundhati Roy
  • 2003 Dr Hanan Ashrawi

    We cannot rely upon the silenced to tell us they are suffering

    2003 Dr Hanan Ashrawi
  • 2002 Mary Robinson

    Human rights are inscribed in the hearts of people, they were there long before lawmakers drafted their first proclamation

    2002 Mary Robinson
  • 2001 Sir William Deane AC KBE

    Where there is no room for national pride, or national shame, about the past, there can be no national soul

    2001 Sir William Deane AC KBE
  • 2000 Xanana Gusmão

    Being patient does not mean being silent

    2000 Xanana Gusmão
  • 1999 Archbishop Desmond Tutu

    There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in

    1999 Archbishop Desmond Tutu
  • 1998 Professor Muhammad Yunus

    Poverty is the absence of all human rights. To build stable peace we must find ways to provide opportunities for people to live decent lives

    1998 Professor Muhammad Yunus
Peace with Justice
We advocate for peace with justice – recognising that to achieve true and lasting peace, we must, beyond ending war and violent conflict, address deep injustices and structural inequality.
Why a Sydney Peace Prize?
By awarding Australia’s international prize for peace, we recognise leading global peacemakers, ensure their voices are heard, and support their vital work for a fairer world.

A moment to change the world

The Sydney Peace Foundation was founded in 1998 to promote public interest in peace, justice and universal human rights.
It is a not-for-profit organisation at the University of Sydney and is supported by the City of Sydney.

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