The Nobel Foundation has issued a statement to clarify that “a prize cannot, even symbolically, be transmitted or distributed.” The Norwegian Institute has spoken out after María Corina Machado, the latest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, presented the president of the United States, Donald Trump, with her medal.
According to the Foundation, the prizes are given to “those who have contributed the greatest benefit to humanity”, thus respecting Alfred Nobel’s will and his stipulations. They have also confirmed that even if the medal or diploma passes into the hands of another person “this does not alter the identity of the prize winner.” Therefore, even though Corina has given it to Trump, the winner is still her.
The Committee does not make assessments on the political processes in which the winners participate
In the statement, the Foundation insists that “a winner cannot share the prize with others or transfer it once announced” and that the Prize cannot be revoked or rejected. “The decision is final and applies forever,” they stressed.
Similarly, the Norwegian Committee has indicated that its function is not to “comment daily on the Nobel Peace Prize winners or the political processes in which they participate” and that if any member makes a statement it should be understood as “their own responsibility.” “The Committee does not comment on subsequent statements, decisions or actions,” they noted.
Some winners have sold or donated their prizes
In addition, they have given several examples of winners who have given or sold their medals, because there are no “restrictions” on the use that a winner can make of it, the diploma or the award, which is the same, he has “freedom to keep, give away, sell or donate these items.”
This is the case of Kogi Annan, 2001 peace prize winner. His wife donated the medal and diploma to the United Nations Office in Geneva, where they are now permanently displayed. Dmitry Muratov, who won it in 2021, sold his medal and diploma and donated the entire money to UNICEF for Ukrainian refugee children.
The medal awarded to the winners is cast in 18-karat gold, weighs 196 grams and measures 6.6 centimeters in diameter. It was designed by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland in 1901. The obverse features a portrait of Alfred Nobel, while the reverse shows three naked men embracing, a symbol of brotherhood.
