The Peace Prize: 125 years of courage, peace and controversy

Welcome to a full evening about Alfred Nobel and the Peace Prize – from the very first award ceremony in 1901 up until today. The Nobel Peace Prize has made headlines for 125 years. Some laureates have been celebrated, others have caused controversy. Join us for an evening where we go deep into the stories behind the prize: about courageous people, debated decisions and moments that helped shape the fight for peace. Through short talks from well-known historians, authors and engaging voices, we get new perspectives on the history of the Peace Prize. 'Heroes, rebels and peacemakers'. Who are the people and moments we remember – or should know better? We get straight to the heart of the matter with short talks, big questions and stories that show that the Nobel Peace Prize’s 125-year history has been anything but dull. This evening, you’ll get closer to the history alongside: Kjersti Fløgstad, Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center. She previously served as Secretary General of UNICEF Norway (2000–2011) and has held a number of board positions, including Chair of the Board of CARE Norway. Kristian Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute. Since 1995, he has been affiliated with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), where he has served as a senior researcher and Director (2009–2017). His work has included major projects on security in South Africa, displacement from Afghanistan, efforts to address the global landmine problem, and research into peace processes and mediation. Bernt Hagtvet is a professor of political science, author, public intellectual and commentator for Aftenposten. He has published numerous books and specialises in extremist political movements, democracy, human rights and genocide. Jon Niklas Rønning is one of Norway’s most popular musical comedians, known for the comedy duo Bye & Rønning and his solo show Jeg reiser alene. Combining parody, improvisation and song, he always keeps his performances topical. This evening, he’ll take us on a journey through the history of the Nobel Peace Prize in his own distinctive and humorous style. Hans Olav Lahlum is a chess player, historian and author, known for his extensive writing on politics and American presidents. He is once again in the spotlight with a new book on American politics: På avgrunnens rand? Demokratiet USA og tilfellet Trump, due to be published in 2026. Henrik Syse is a philosopher, senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), and former Deputy Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He has written numerous books on ethics, war, politics and philosophy, and is also passionate about The Beatles and space exploration. In 2025, he published a book about humanity’s journeys to the Moon, co-authored with his daughter Jenny. Tove Gravdal is a foreign affairs journalist and author. She is currently in the spotlight with her biography Trygve Lie. Byggherre i krig og fred (Trygve Lie: Architect of War and Peace, Spartacus, 2026), about the first Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was passed over in favour of his successor, Dag Hammarskjöld, when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1961. Gravdal has also written books about the United Nations and the peace process in Colombia. Ayesha Wolasmal is a foreign affairs commentator for VG, with extensive experience in international politics, diplomacy, security and humanitarian affairs.