Venezuelan Leader María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado. The Royal Swedish Academy announced the winner today (Friday, October 10) at 5 AM Eastern Time, USA.

In their announcement, the Nobel Committee stated that María Corina Machado is being awarded in recognition of her tireless efforts to establish democratic rights and ensure good governance for the people of Venezuela, and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful democratic transition from authoritarian rule.

Machado's leadership and determined actions are seen as a symbol of hope for the people of Venezuela, especially in the context of the country’s prolonged political crisis and democratic challenges.

Previously, last year, the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The group represents victims of the atomic bombings and works towards a world free of nuclear weapons.

According to BBC, 338 individuals and organizations were nominated for this year’s Nobel Prize. Among them, 244 were individuals, and the remaining 94 were institutions or organizations.

In 2014, Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel at just 17 years old—making her the youngest recipient to date. On the other hand, Joseph Rotblat was the oldest laureate, awarded in 1995 at the age of 86. So far, 31 organizations have received the Nobel Peace Prize.