Selection procedure of the 2026 UCLG Peace Prize

Each edition of the UCLG Peace Prize begins with an official launch of the call for applications. This time the Prize will be launched in May 2025 in Montevideo during the World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace. Local governments around the world can submit their peace initiatives, after which a thorough selection procedure takes place. Below you can find more insight into the process that leads to the selection of our finalists and winner.

Call for applications and eligibility

The UCLG Peace Prize 2026 edition will officially be launched in May 2025 in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace. The launch marks the start of the application period during which eligible local governments can submit their initiatives. Eligibility is determined firstly on the basis of whether the applicant fits the profile of a ‘local government’. In this, the Peace Prize maintains UCLG’s 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. Next, the Peace Prize is open for award to local governments who either work for peace and conflict resolution in their areas themselves or provide positive assistance to local governments in conflict and fragile areas. This includes pre-and post-conflict situations, but also contexts that have been peaceful for decades. Finally, any nominated initiative should have taken place (at least partly) within the 4 years prior to application.

Importantly, the Prize is awarded to the local government as an institution, not to the individuals that were in charge of the initiative. Furthermore, there may be cases where local governments worked together on a peace initiative. In cases such as these, the Prize can be awarded to them jointly. For example, this may include cooperation between a conflict-stricken local government and an external partner city.

Selection of finalists

Eligible local governments can submit their application using a standardised application form and may choose to add annexes in the form of photos and/or videos. Applications are first reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee. This committee arranges for background checks on strong applicants, collects more information where needed, and evaluates all applications on the following criteria:

1. The impact and effectiveness of the initiative in favour of peace (how does it promote peace in the community) – 20 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.
8. The extent to which the initiative is participatory in nature and inclusive of marginalised groups – 5 points

In total, the above criteria provide a score for nominated initiatives out of a maximum of 100 points. Subsequently, all applications and their particular scorings are shared with the Peace Prize Jury. These scores are not binding for the Jury but provide them with guidance. In a series of conference calls and through additional requests for information to strong contenders, the Jury selects a shortlist of five finalists and finally, decides upon the winner.