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.
Sydney Peace Prize Recipients
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
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.
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.