Mozambican human rights activist and humanitarian Graca Machel has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2025. The announcement was made by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust following the recommendation of an international jury chaired by Shivshankar Menon. She has been recognised for her lifelong contribution to education, health and nutrition, economic empowerment, humanitarian action, and protection of vulnerable communities, particularly children and women affected by conflict.
The selection of Graca Machel highlights the continued global relevance of humanitarian leadership and reinforces India's long-standing emphasis on peace, international cooperation, sustainable development, and human dignity. The award recognises individuals whose contributions extend beyond national boundaries and have a lasting impact on global society.Graca Machel has devoted her life to advancing human rights, child welfare, women's empowerment, education, healthcare, and social justice under extremely difficult political and humanitarian circumstances. Her work reflects the values of inclusive development and peaceful coexistence that the award seeks to promote.A major milestone in her international career was her leadership of the United Nations Study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children during the 1990s. The landmark study fundamentally reshaped international understanding of the consequences of armed conflict on children and influenced humanitarian policies across the world. It contributed significantly to strengthening global advocacy for child protection in conflict zones.Beyond the UN study, she has established and supported several institutions dedicated to women's empowerment, child development, leadership, and social transformation. Her work has consistently focused on protecting vulnerable communities while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.Graca Machel is also recognised as an important African stateswoman. She served as the First Lady of Mozambique as the widow of former President Samora Machel and later became the First Lady of South Africa after marrying Nelson Mandela. Her public life has therefore been closely associated with struggles for self-determination, democracy, reconciliation, and human rights across Africa.The announcement also reflects the international character of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, which has honoured distinguished global leaders, diplomats, scholars, and institutions for their contribution towards peace, disarmament, development, democracy, and human welfare.It is noteworthy that the 2024 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize was conferred upon former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in November 2025. Bachelet was recognised for her contribution to human rights, gender equality, democracy, and global peace, particularly through her leadership as the first Executive Director of UN Women and later as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1986 |
| Instituted By | Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust |
| Purpose | To honour individuals or organisations making outstanding contributions towards international peace, disarmament, development, democracy, humanitarian causes and a just global order |
| Award Components | ₹1 Crore, Citation and Trophy |
| Selection Process | International Jury constituted by the Trust |
| Jury Chair (2025 Award) | Shivshankar Menon |
The award is important from the perspective of International Relations, Global Governance, Human Rights, United Nations, Peace and Conflict Studies, and India's role in recognising global humanitarian leadership. Questions can be framed in both Prelims (facts related to award and recipients) and Mains (India's soft power, global peace initiatives, humanitarian diplomacy, and international institutions).
Updated – 22 January 2026; 01:03 PM | News Source:The Hindu, Congress Sandesh