Nobel Peace Prize 2024: As the Norwegian Nobel Committee prepares to announce the recipients of this years prestigious awards across physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics, all eyes are on the Nobel Peace Prize. With wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine, the prize has attracted increased attention. Heres a look at some of the top candidates in the running for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.Nobel Peace Prize 2024: Top contenders for the peace prizeAccording to experts, three major entities are in the spotlight for the Nobel Peace Prize this year: the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. These organizations and individuals have played significant roles in addressing global conflicts, though the Norwegian Nobel Committee has yet to officially confirm any of the candidates or make statements on the matter.Possible final contendors: Alexei Navalny and Volodymyr ZelenskyBookmakers have placed significant bets on Alexei Navalny, the Russian dissident leader who tragically passed away in February 2024 while in prison. Despite his death, Navalny is considered a strong contender for the prize due to his unwavering opposition to the Russian government. However, its unlikely he will receive the award, as the Nobel Peace Prize is typically not given posthumously.Another popular candidate is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, as the leader of a country embroiled in war, some believe his chances are slim due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.UNRWAs critical role in the Gaza conflictOne of the key contenders for this years prize is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has been instrumental in providing aid to Palestinian civilians affected by the ongoing war in Gaza. According to Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, UNRWAs humanitarian efforts make them a strong candidate. However, the agencys involvement in controversy, with allegations of staff participation in a Hamas-led attack, may complicate its candidacy.Despite these challenges, UNRWAs mission to provide humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon keeps them firmly in the race for the award.Antonio Guterres and the ICJ are betting on global governanceUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also been discussed as a potential laureate, particularly in light of his efforts to strengthen global governance. Guterres, alongside the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has been advocating for the application of international humanitarian law amid conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza. According to Nobel Peace Prize historian Asle Sveen, awarding the prize to Guterres would underscore the UNs role in promoting global stability and peace.Can the prize go unawardedTheres also the possibility that the Nobel Committee may choose not to award the Peace Prize this year. This has happened 19 times in the past, most recently in 1972. Given the complexity and divisiveness of the current global conflicts, some experts speculate that the committee might opt for this course of action.
