South African jurist and human rights champion Navi Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting justice, human rights and international law. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognised her contribution to strengthening international legal systems at a time of growing global tensions. Pillay previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as a judge at international tribunals.
The announcement came a day after Canadian poet, essayist and translator Anne Carson received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy honoured Carson for her “bold and inventive oeuvre” that creates new forms for contemporary literature through a playful dialogue with classical traditions.
Carson, 76, is known for bringing ancient Greek literature into conversation with modern ideas and artistic forms. Her work combines poetry, prose, dialogue and translation, often challenging traditional boundaries between literary genres. One of her best-known books is Autobiography of Red, which draws on Greek mythology while presenting it in a contemporary style.
This year, 287 candidates—208 individuals and 79 organisations—were nominated for the Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the winner in Oslo on October 9.
Together, the two awards highlight the power of literature, human rights advocacy and creative thought in shaping global conversations.
