Selection procedure of the 2022 UCLG Peace Prize

 

Each edition of the UCLG Peace Prize starts with an official launch of the call for applications. Local governments around the world can submit their peace projects, after which a thorough selection procedure takes place by the technical Evaluation Committee and the Jury.

 

Call for applications and eligibility

The UCLG Peace Prize 2022 edition was officially launched in December 2021 in The Hague. The launch marks the start of the application period during which eligible local governments can submit their initiatives. The prize is open for award to local governments who either themselves work for peace and conflict resolution in their own area, or provide positive assistance to local governments in conflict and fragile areas, which includes pre-and post-conflict situations, but also areas that have experienced peace for decades. The prize is awarded to a local government as an institution, not to individuals. There may well be cases where local governments work together on a peace initiative, and in such cases the prize could be awarded to them jointly. This may for example include cooperation between a conflict-hit local government and its external partner city. The Peace Prize is open to any subnational government that falls within UCLG’s own interpretation of the term “local government”. Broadly speaking, this means that a local government is a subnational government defined as such by its own country’s constitution or legislation. Any nominated initiative should have taken place at least partly within the 3 years prior to application.

 

Selection of finalists

Local governments can submit their application using a standardised application form, and add annexes in the form of photos and/or videos. Applications are first reviewed by the technical Evaluation Committee. This committee ensures background checks on strong applications, collects more information where needed, and rates all applications on the following criteria:

 

  1. The impact and effectiveness of the initiative in favour of peace – how did it promote peace in the community – 25 points.
  2. The broad replicability or learning potential of the initiative for other local governments in similar situations – 15 points.
  3. The degree of demonstrated innovation or creativity shown in the design of the initiative – 15 points.
  4. The sustainability for the future of the initiative – 10 points.
  5. The degree to which the initiative is embedded in the local government organisation – 10 points.
  6. The degree of difficulty, complexity or danger of the situation faced on the ground by those involved in the initiative – 15 points.
  7. The general clarity and details of the information provided about the initiative – 10 points.

 

In total, the above criteria provide for a maximum score of 100 points for nominated projects. All applications and their particular scorings will be shared with the Jury of the Peace Prize. In a series of conference calls and through additional requests for information from strong contenders, the Jury selects a shortlist of five finalists.