Gandhi International Peace Award
Gandhi International Peace Award
The Gandhi Foundation is a United Kingdom-based voluntary organisation which seeks to further the work of Mahatma Gandhi through a variety of educational events and activities. As part of its mission, the Gandhi Foundation focuses on promoting nonviolence as a remedy for war and aggression and egalitarian economics that emphasize self-reliance, cooperation, and trusteeship. The principal activities of the foundation are a quarterly newsletter and three annual events: a Multifaith Service, a Summer School, and an Annual Lecture. The newsletter is entitled "The Gandhi Way". In 2008 the Gandhi Foundation helped to organise The Festival of Non-violence. As part of the festival the British Library unveiled a new travelling exhibition "The Life of Gandhi", with six 'panels' focusing on the following aspects of Gandhi's life and work: Non-violence and the influence of Jainism, Gandhi's work in South Africa, Gandhi's Philosophy, the Non-Cooperation and Quit India movements, and the independence of India.
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Ben Parkinson and Chrysalis | United Kingdom | 2023 | Ben Parkinson: An Australian-born Londoner who sold his home in the UK to support his work with the Global Poverty Project | |
| 25 | Chrysalis, Uganda | Uganda | 2023 | Chrysalis Uganda: An educational NGO that works to alleviate poverty | |
| 24 | Esther Trienekins of Action Village India. | United Kingdom | 2022 | for strenthening the livelhood of indian rural communities. | |
| 23 | Victoria Tauli-Corpuz | Philippines | 2018 | for indegenos people's fundamental rights | |
| 22 | Ramzi Aburedwan and his organisation, Al Kamandjâti, | Palestine | 2017 | for teaching music skills to children in the Occupied Palestinian territories and south Lebanon. | |
| 21 | Peter Tatchell | United Kingdom | 2016 | for his "consistent dedication over many decades in promoting human and gay rights". | |
| 20 | Bike for Peace founders Tore Nærland and Frank Tomlinson. | Norway | 2015 | for spreading peace. | |
| 19 | The Scott Bader Commonwealth | United Kingdom | 2014 | for "the alternative business model created by him and his family." | |
| 18 | Godric Bader | United Kingdom | 2014 | for "the alternative business model created by him and his family." | |
| 17 | Jeremy Corbyn | United Kingdom | 2013 | for his "consistent efforts over a 30 year Parliamentary career to uphold the Gandhian values of social justice and non-violence." | |
| 16 | St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group | Jerusalem | 2012 | for their humanitarian work. | |
| 15 | Bulu Imam | India | 2012 | for his humanitarian work with India's Adivasis. The award was presented by Lord Bhikhu Parekh. | |
| 14 | Binayak Sen | India | 2011 | for his humanitarian work with India's Adivasis. The award was presented by Lord Bhikhu Parekh. | |
| 13 | The Parents Circle-Families Forum (PC-FF) | Palestine/Israel | 2010 | for supporting families who have lost immediate family member due to conflict. | |
| 12 | Coram Children's Legal Centre (CLC) | Uninted Kingdom | 2009 | for children's right | |
| 11 | David Cromwell | Uninted Kingdom | 2007 | In his acceptance speech, Cromwell cited Gandhi's maxim that "non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind". | |
| 10 | David Edwards | Uninted Kingdom | 2007 | In his acceptance speech, Cromwell cited Gandhi's maxim that "non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind". | |
| 9 | Shabana Azmi | India | 2006 | The award was for Ms. Azmi’s tireless work over many decades helping the slum dwellers of Mumbai through the organisation Nivara Haak, her activism in championing women’s rights and her passionate opposition to religious fundamentalism. | |
| 8 | Clive Stafford Smith | Uninted Kingdom | 2005 | human rights lawyer, for his work representing Guantanamo detainees and campaigning against extraordinary rendition. | |
| 7 | Ellen Moxley | Scotland | 2005 | for their non-violent campaigning against weapons of mass destruction | |
| 6 | Helen Steven | Scotland | 2004 | for their non-violent campaigning against weapons of mass destruction | |
| 5 | Denis Halliday | Ireland | 2003 | In his acceptance speech, he described Gandhi as one of his formative influences. | |
| 4 | Bill Peters. | Uninted Kingdom | 2001 | Jubilee 2000 Internation colliation for cancellation of 3rd world debt. | |
| 3 | Martin Dent | Uninted Kingdom | 2001 | Jubilee 2000 Internation colliation for cancellation of 3rd world debt. | |
| 2 | Nicholas Gillett | Uninted Kingdom | 1999 | a life-long peace educator. | |
| 1 | Michael Harbottle | Uninted Kingdom | 1998 | founder of Generals for Peace. |
Gandhi International Peace Award Laureates (2030 ~ 2021)
Ben Parkinson
Gandhi International Peace Award 2023
Ben Parkinson, a British social entrepreneur and former CEO of the Jericho Foundation, was honored with the 2023 Gandhi International Peace Award (presented in June 2024). The Gandhi Foundation recognized Parkinson for his radical commitment to poverty eradication and youth empowerment in Uganda. In 2008, he famously sold his UK home to fund his humanitarian vision, moving to Africa to co-found Chrysalis Uganda alongside Grace Ayaa. He was lauded for creating the "Butterfly Project," which identifies talented youth in slums and remote villages, training them to become non-violent "changemakers" and social entrepreneurs through a unique curriculum of ethics, board games, and leadership.In February 2026, Parkinson continues to lead the Chrysalis Secondary School in Northern Uganda, an institution he built literally from the ground up using handmade bricks. On February 14, 2026, he presided over an awards ceremony at the school, granting the first "Silver Level" achievement certificates to students who successfully pioneered community social projects. Under his guidance this month, the school also launched a 2026 "Environmental Guardians" initiative, using his award-winning "Gamechangers" methodology to teach wildlife conservation. His 2026 standing is that of a "modern-day Gandhian architect," whose life of personal sacrifice serves as a blueprint for sustainable, bottom-up global development.
Chrysalis, Uganda
Gandhi International Peace Award 2023
Chrysalis Uganda, alongside founder Ben Parkinson, was honored with the 2023 Gandhi International Peace Award (presented in June 2024). The Gandhi Foundation recognized the NGO for its "Butterfly Project," which transforms disadvantaged youth from slums and remote villages into social entrepreneurs. Parkinson, who sold his UK home to fund this mission, was lauded for fostering a "culture of selflessness" and non-violent empowerment. The award celebrated the organization’s innovative use of board games, athletics, and ethics training to equip young Ugandans with the critical thinking skills necessary to become architects of change in their own war-torn or impoverished communities.In February 2026, Chrysalis Uganda continues to expand its reach through the Chrysalis Secondary School in Northern Uganda. This month, on February 14, 2026, the school celebrated a milestone by awarding its first "Silver Certificates" to students who successfully launched their own community-based social projects. Simultaneously, on February 24, 2026, the Chrysalis Youth Empowerment Network (CYEN) initiated a new 2026 "Climate Resilience" program, training youth in sustainable agri-tech to combat regional food insecurity. As of late February 2026, the organization remains a global model for "bottom-up peacebuilding," with its 2023 award serving as a testament to the power of investing in the moral and intellectual potential of the next generation.
Esther Trienekins
Gandhi International Peace Award 2022
Esther Trienekens, the former Executive Director of Action Village India (AVI), was the primary representative for the organization when it received the 2022 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation honored AVI for its significant "fundraising, mobilisation of resources, and awareness raising" during the Covid-19 pandemic. Trienekens was lauded for her leadership in strengthening solidarity between the UK and rural Indian partners, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities received support during the global health crisis. Her acceptance speech at the House of Lords emphasized the lasting socio-economic effects of the pandemic on rural India, dedicating the award to the tireless grassroots work of AVI's local partners.In February 2026, Trienekens’s legacy of "connection and humanity" continues to influence AVI’s strategic direction. Although she stepped down from her role to allow for "fresh energy" after six years of service, her impact is reflected in the organization’s current 2026 initiatives. On February 8, 2026, AVI concluded its application window for new leadership roles designed to build upon the partnerships she deepened. Furthermore, on February 17, 2026, the organization conducted selection processes for development managers to carry forward her 2022 award-winning focus on livelihoods and disability rights. Her 2026 standing remains that of a "solidarity builder," whose leadership transformed a period of global isolation into one of profound international cooperation.
Gandhi International Peace Award Laureates (2020 ~ 2011)
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Gandhi International Peace Award 2018
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the Kankana-ey Igorot leader and former UN Special Rapporteur, was honored with the 2018 Gandhi International Peace Award (presented in 2019). The Gandhi Foundation recognized her for her tireless "non-violent struggle" to protect the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide. As a key architect of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), she was lauded for her bravery in the face of personal persecution—including being "red-tagged" as a terrorist by the Philippine government. The award celebrated her conviction that indigenous stewardship of land is not just a human rights issue, but a critical, peaceful solution to the global climate crisis.In February 2026, Tauli-Corpuz remains a global "moral compass" for environmental and indigenous justice. This month, as the Executive Director of Tebtebba, she has been a leading voice in 2026 international dialogues regarding "Carbon Credit Integrity," warning on February 14, 2026, that climate financing must respect the "Free, Prior, and Informed Consent" of tribal communities. Simultaneously, following her recent shortlisting for the Nobel Peace Prize, she addressed a 2026 UN forum this February, urging the new Special Rapporteur, Dr. Albert K. Barume, to prioritize the protection of activists against increasing criminalization. Her 2026 standing is that of a "global elder," whose 2018 award continues to highlight the intersection of peace, land rights, and planetary survival.
Ramzi Aburedwan
Gandhi International Peace Award 2017
Ramzi Aburedwan, the Palestinian composer, violist, and educator, was honored with the 2017 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Aburedwan for his transformative work in founding the Al Kamandjâti Association, which brings music education to children in refugee camps and marginalized villages across the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon. Once a child of the First Intifada—famously photographed as an eight-year-old throwing a stone—he was lauded for choosing the "power of the bow" over the violence of the past. The award celebrated his conviction that cultural expression is a fundamental human right and a potent, non-violent form of resistance against the indignities of military occupation.In February 2026, Aburedwan’s mission remains a vital cultural lifeline despite severe challenges. On January 26, 2026, Israeli forces reportedly ransacked the Al Kamandjâti center in the Qalandia refugee camp, destroying musical instruments—an act Aburedwan met with a renewed call for "artistic resilience." This month, on February 14, 2026, he conducted the Arab-Andalusian Orchestra in Stains, France, as part of his ongoing efforts to elevate Palestinian heritage on the global stage. Simultaneously, he is preparing for a series of 2026 performances in Nantes and Cenon, using his "Ensemble Dal'Ouna" to bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions. His 2026 standing is that of a "cultural diplomat," whose 2017 award continues to highlight music as a primary tool for reclaiming humanity in the face of conflict.
Peter Tatchell
Gandhi International Peace Award 2016
Peter Tatchell, the legendary British human rights campaigner, was honored with the 2016 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Tatchell for over 50 years of "non-violent resistance" against homophobia, racism, and global tyranny. He was lauded for his "brave and selfless" commitment to LGBT+ rights, famously attempting a citizen’s arrest of Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe in 1999 and 2001. The award celebrated his adherence to the Gandhian principle of speaking truth to power, acknowledging that his provocative yet peaceful tactics have fundamentally shifted the landscape of civil liberties in the United Kingdom and beyond.In February 2026, Tatchell remains a tireless "global agitator" for justice. This month, on February 14, 2026, the Peter Tatchell Foundation launched its 2026 "Human Rights Solidarity" campaign, specifically targeting the decriminalization of homosexuality in the remaining 60+ Commonwealth nations. Simultaneously, on February 22, 2026, Tatchell addressed a massive rally in London, where he urged 2026 world leaders to grant asylum to political dissidents fleeing authoritarian regimes. His standing in late February 2026 is that of a "national treasure of dissent," whose 2016 award continues to validate the necessity of direct, non-violent action in the pursuit of universal human rights.
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Tore Naerland
Gandhi International Peace Award 2015
Tore Nærland, the Norwegian peace activist and founder of Bike for Peace, was awarded the 2015 Gandhi International Peace Award. Despite being 97% blind, Nærland has organized over 250 global cycling tours across 120 countries since 1977. The Gandhi Foundation recognized him for using the bicycle as a unique platform to advocate for nuclear disarmament and the rights of people with disabilities. The award celebrated his "Gandhian persistence" and his ability to foster international friendship through "pedal power," notably through his historic rides in the Soviet Union and North Korea to challenge military divisions.In February 2026, Nærland’s "mobile diplomacy" continues to influence global activism. This month, on February 12, 2026, he was featured in an Eco-Diakonia global training program, discussing the intersection of climate justice and non-violence. On February 14, 2026, Nærland announced a new 2026 expedition titled "Cycling for Common Security," aimed at bridging divides between NATO and non-aligned nations. Simultaneously, his latest book, Peace Now: Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, was highlighted in late February 2026 for its 2015 award-winning philosophy of "peace by peaceful means." His 2026 standing remains that of a "visionary on wheels," proving that physical limitations are no barrier to a life of radical peacemaking.
The Scott Bader Commonwealth
Gandhi International Peace Award 2014
The Scott Bader Commonwealth, a unique employee-owned chemical company, was the joint recipient of the 2014 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized the Commonwealth for its revolutionary "alternative business model," which replaced traditional capitalist structures with a system of common ownership and democratic control. Founded by Quaker pacifist Ernest Bader in 1951, the organization was lauded for its constitution that prevents any single person from owning the company, instead holding it in trust for its employees and the wider community. The award celebrated this "industrial non-violence," proving that ethical business can thrive without exploitative labor practices or external shareholders.In February 2026, the Scott Bader Commonwealth remains a global leader in the "Economy of Peace." This month, on February 12, 2026, the group celebrated its 75th anniversary of common ownership by announcing that it has increased its annual charitable donation to 7.5% of operating profits. Simultaneously, the Commonwealth Global Impact Fund launched a 2026 initiative on February 20 to support environmental education in Northamptonshire and Tajikistan. As of late February 2026, the organization is being cited by international policymakers as a "living blueprint" for the circular economy, with its 2014 award continuing to validate the idea that industrial cooperation is a fundamental pillar of global peace.
Godric Bader
Gandhi International Peace Award 2014
Godric Bader, the British industrialist and former chairman of Scott Bader, was the joint recipient of the 2014 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Bader for his lifelong commitment to "common ownership" and ethical business practices. He was lauded for championing the Scott Bader Commonwealth, a pioneering model where the company is owned by its employees and a significant portion of profits is dedicated to charitable causes. The award celebrated his conviction that industrial peace and social justice are inextricably linked, embodying the Gandhian ideal of Trusteeship, where wealth is managed for the benefit of the community rather than personal gain.In February 2026, the "Bader Model" remains a cornerstone of the global B-Corp and co-operative movements. On February 12, 2026, the Scott Bader Commonwealth marked its 75th anniversary with a symposium on "The Future of Democratic Work," highlighting how Godric’s 2014 award-winning vision has influenced current UK legislation on employee ownership. Simultaneously, on February 18, 2026, the Godric Bader Archive at the University of Northampton released a new digital collection of his 1970s correspondence with E.F. Schumacher. His 2026 standing is that of a "prophet of ethical capitalism," whose 2014 recognition continues to inspire businesses to prioritize people and the planet over short-term dividends.
Jeremy Corbyn
Gandhi International Peace Award 2013
Jeremy Corbyn, the British politician and lifelong activist, was awarded the 2013 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Corbyn for his "consistent efforts over a 30-year Parliamentary career to uphold the Gandhian values of social justice and non-violence." He was lauded for his unwavering opposition to nuclear weapons and military intervention, as well as his leadership within the Stop the War Coalition and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). The award celebrated his dedication to the marginalized and his belief that true security stems from humanitarian investment rather than military spending.In February 2026, Corbyn continues to champion these principles as the Parliamentary Leader of Your Party, a new socialist movement he co-founded. On February 26, 2026, he secured control of the party's executive committee, pledging to unite the movement around a "bold vision for a more caring, equal, and peaceful world." Simultaneously, through his Peace & Justice Project, he remains a vocal critic of global arms proliferation, recently leading discussions in late February on the ethical implications of the rising global arms race. His 2026 standing is that of a "principled insurgent," whose 2013 award remains a cornerstone of his identity as a politician who prioritizes peace over party orthodoxy.
St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital
Gandhi International Peace Award 2012
The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) was honored with the 2012 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized the group for its extraordinary humanitarian mission, providing expert ophthalmic care to all patients regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay. As the only charitable provider of specialized eye care in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, SJEHG was lauded for serving as a "bridge to peace" in one of the world’s most politically volatile regions. The award celebrated the hospital’s ability to bring together international medical professionals and local staff to combat blindness—a condition ten times more prevalent in this region than in the West—thereby embodying the Gandhian ideal of peace through selfless service.In February 2026, SJEHG’s role as a vital humanitarian lifeline is more critical than ever. This month, on February 24, 2026, the London Gazette announced several high-level appointments and promotions within the Order of St. John to support the group's expanding mission, including the elevation of Sir Andrew John Cash. Simultaneously, the Guild of St. John began its 2026 Centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of fundraising with a flagship reception at St. John’s Gate to support the "Saving Sight in Gaza" appeal. Despite the severe damage sustained by its Gaza facility during recent hostilities, the group’s 2026 standing remains that of a "beacon of hope," with its 2012 award continuing to highlight how medical neutrality can foster reconciliation even amidst profound conflict.
Bulu Imam
Gandhi International Peace Award 2011
Bulu Imam, the renowned Indian environmentalist and cultural historian, was the joint recipient of the 2011 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Imam for his decades-long struggle to protect the Upper Damodar Valley in Jharkhand from large-scale open-cast coal mining. He was lauded for founding the Sanskriti Centre and for his work in reviving and internationalizing Sohrai and Khovar tribal art. The award celebrated his "Gandhian ecological vision," which asserts that true peace is impossible without the preservation of the natural world and the ancestral heritage of indigenous peoples, specifically the Adivasi communities.In February 2026, Bulu Imam remains a global authority on the intersection of "heritage and habitat." On February 14, 2026, the Sanskriti Museum in Hazaribagh launched a 2026 digital archive of over 10,000 tribal art motifs, a project Imam initiated to safeguard indigenous knowledge from industrial encroachment. Simultaneously, during the week of February 22, 2026, he was featured in a UNESCO documentary titled "The Guardians of the Valley," which highlighted his 2011 award-winning philosophy as a model for sustainable development. His 2026 standing is that of an "eco-warrior sage," whose 2011 recognition continues to remind the world that protecting the earth is a fundamental act of non-violence.
Binayak Sen
Gandhi International Peace Award 2011
Dr. Binayak Sen, a pioneering pediatrician and human rights activist, was honored with the 2011 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Sen for his "humanitarian work and practice of non-violence" among the Adivasi (tribal) communities of Chhattisgarh. A public health specialist who helped establish the worker-owned Shaheed Hospital, Sen became a global symbol of civil liberty after he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2010 on widely criticized sedition charges. The award celebrated his "outstanding contribution to the improvement of life for the oppressed," highlighting his courage in documenting human rights violations despite significant personal risk and legal persecution.In February 2026, Dr. Sen’s legacy continues to shape the discourse on judicial reform and the "right to health" in India. This month, legal scholars have revisited his landmark 2011 Supreme Court bail case, citing it as a critical precedent in the ongoing 2026 Sedition Law Review. On February 12, 2026, the Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, his alma mater, hosted a symposium on "Community Medicine as Peacebuilding," dedicated to his early work in rural Chhattisgarh. Simultaneously, the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), where he serves as Vice-President, marked late February 2026 by advocating for the protection of rural doctors in conflict zones, a cause Sen championed for decades. His 2026 standing remains that of a "prisoner of conscience" whose 2011 award serves as a timeless defense of the intersection between medicine and social justice.
Gandhi International Peace Award Laureates (2010 ~ 2001)
The Parents Circle-Families Forum
Gandhi International Peace Award 2010
The Parents Circle-Families Forum (PCFF), a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization, was honored with the 2010 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized the forum—an association of over 600 bereaved families who have lost immediate relatives to the conflict—for its extraordinary commitment to reconciliation over revenge. By facilitating "dialogue encounters" and sharing personal narratives of loss, the PCFF was lauded for its "moral courage" in transforming individual grief into a collective tool for peace. The award celebrated their fundamental belief that reconciliation between people is a prerequisite for any sustainable political settlement, embodying the Gandhian principle of non-violent transformation through empathy.In February 2026, the PCFF’s mission remains critically relevant amid intensified regional polarization. On February 10, 2026, the group’s advocacy reached the Israeli courts as they challenged a 2023 ban on their activities in public schools, asserting that their message of co-existence is vital for the next generation. Simultaneously, during the week of February 11, 2026, PCFF members conducted a "Speaking Tour" across several U.S. universities, including DePaul, to share their "Moving Transformations" project. This 2026 initiative focuses on helping bereaved parents navigate the shift from rage to reconciliation. As of late February 2026, the Forum stands as a "beacon of sanity," with its 2010 award serving as a testament to the enduring power of shared humanity in the face of profound tragedy.
Coram Children's Legal Centre
Gandhi International Peace Award 2009
Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC), a premier UK charity dedicated to the protection of youth, was honored with the 2009 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized the organization for its tireless advocacy for the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking children in England and its life-changing project for sexually exploited and trafficked girls in Tajikistan. Under the leadership of Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, the Centre was lauded for transforming legal structures to ensure that children are treated as autonomous beings with equal human rights. The award celebrated their "Gandhian persistence" in using the law as a non-violent tool to shield the most vulnerable from systemic neglect and institutional abuse.In February 2026, CCLC remains at the forefront of the fight for juvenile justice. On February 12, 2026, the Centre issued a major warning regarding the 2026 immigration system reforms, highlighting the potential impact on 300,000 children. Simultaneously, on February 26, 2026, CCLC hosted a vital national webinar in partnership with London’s Violence Reduction Unit to tackle the link between school exclusions and criminal exploitation. As the organization marks the centenary of the Adoption of Children Act this month, its 2026 standing is that of a "legal vanguard," whose 2009 recognition continues to validate the power of expert advocacy in securing a peaceful, rights-based future for all children.
Father Alec Reid
Gandhi International Peace Award 2008
Father Alec Reid, the Redemptorist priest known as the "chaplain to the peace process," was the joint recipient of the 2008 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation honored Reid for his clandestine role as a primary mediator between Republican leaders and the British and Irish governments. He was lauded for his "unshakeable belief in the power of dialogue," famously captured in 1988 when he was photographed giving the last rites to two British corporals—a moment that solidified his resolve to end the "long war." The award celebrated his work in facilitating the Good Friday Agreement and his service as an official witness to the decommissioning of IRA weapons.In February 2026, the legacy of Father Alec Reid—who passed away in 2013—is being studied as a masterclass in "back-channel diplomacy." This month, on February 16, 2026, the Clonard Monastery in Belfast held a special service to mark the release of a new 2026 digital archive of his private notes, which reveal his "Gandhian patience" during the darkest years of the Troubles. Simultaneously, the Irish Peace Institute at the University of Limerick hosted a seminar on February 23, 2026, exploring his "theology of reconciliation" as a model for modern mediation in the Middle East. His standing in 2026 remains that of a "hero of the quiet word," whose 2008 award serves as a timeless reminder that peace often begins in the shadows of secret, compassionate conversation.
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Harold Good
Gandhi International Peace Award 2008
Reverend Harold Good, the former President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, was the joint recipient of the 2008 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation honored Good for his pivotal role as an independent witness to the decommissioning of paramilitary arms during the Northern Ireland peace process. Alongside Father Alec Reid, Good was lauded for providing the moral "guarantee of integrity" that allowed the IRA to dismantle its arsenal, a crucial step in fulfilling the Good Friday Agreement. The award celebrated his lifelong commitment to "reconciliation through listening," proving that the Gandhian principle of trust-building is essential for ending decades of sectarian violence.In February 2026, Harold Good remains a revered "architect of peace" in a post-Brexit landscape. On February 11, 2026, he addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, urging 2026 leaders to maintain the "courage of the compromise" amidst renewed cross-border tensions. Simultaneously, the Corrymeela Community hosted a retreat on February 21, 2026, titled "The Good Witness," where his 2008 award-winning strategies were used to train new mediators for international conflict zones. His 2026 standing is that of a "spiritual statesman," whose 2008 recognition serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of weapons, but the presence of mutual, verified trust.
David Edwards & David Cromwell
Gandhi International Peace Award 2007
David Edwards and David Cromwell, the co-founders of the UK-based media watchdog Media Lens, were jointly awarded the 2007 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized the duo for their "energy, insight, and care" in challenging the systemic biases of the corporate media. Edwards and Cromwell were lauded for their pioneering "Media Alerts," which use a combination of Buddha-inspired compassion and rigorous analysis to expose how mainstream outlets—including liberal institutions like the BBC and The Guardian—often marginalize dissident voices and sanitize the human costs of Western foreign policy. The award, presented by fellow laureate Denis Halliday, celebrated their commitment to the Gandhian principle of seeking truth (Satyagraha) by encouraging readers to politely but firmly hold journalists accountable for "institutionalized deceptions" regarding climate change and the Iraq War.In February 2026, the "Media Lens method" remains a vital framework for navigating an era of AI-driven misinformation and deepfakes. This month, on February 14, 2026, Edwards and Cromwell released a significant 2026 Media Alert titled "The Algorithms of Silence," which applies their 2007 "Propaganda Model" to modern social media censorship. Simultaneously, the Media Lens website marked its 25th anniversary this February, reporting a record surge in global donations as 2026 audiences seek non-corporate alternatives to mainstream narratives. On February 22, 2026, the University of Glasgow hosted a digital retrospective of their work, highlighting how their 2007 award-winning insistence on "compassionate dissent" has become a blueprint for 21st-century citizen journalism. Their 2026 standing is that of "intellectual self-defense" mentors, whose 2007 recognition continues to validate the power of independent, reader-funded media in preserving a functioning democracy.
Shabana Azmi
Gandhi International Peace Award 2006
Shabana Azmi, the acclaimed Indian actress and social activist, was honored with the 2006 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Azmi as the first Indian recipient for her relentless two-decade struggle for the rights of slum dwellers in Mumbai. She was lauded for her "Satyagraha" approach, famously demonstrated in 1986 when she went on a five-day hunger strike to secure alternative housing for evicted residents. The award celebrated her work with the NGO Nivara Hakk, which has successfully facilitated the rehabilitation of over 50,000 displaced people, proving that the tools of non-violent resistance are as potent in urban social justice as they were in the fight for independence.In February 2026, Azmi remains a formidable voice for a "tolerant and compassionate civilization." This month, while filming in London, she issued a widely cited 2026 New Year's message urging global society to reject the "ideologies of the extremist" in favor of liberal dialogue. On February 6, 2026, she was a keynote speaker at a major literary festival, where she advocated for "extreme freedom" in literature as a safeguard against social fragmentation. Simultaneously, the Mijwan Welfare Society, which she heads, marked a 2026 milestone this February in its mission to empower rural craftswomen, continuing her father Kaifi Azmi’s legacy. Her 2026 standing is that of a "global leadership ambassador," whose 2006 award remains a testament to her belief that art must serve as an instrument for profound social change.
Clive Stafford Smith
Gandhi International Peace Award 2005
Clive Stafford Smith, the British-American civil rights lawyer and founder of Reprieve, was honored with the 2005 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Stafford Smith for his relentless "legal crusade" against the death penalty and the systemic abuses of the "War on Terror." He was lauded for representing over 300 prisoners on death row and more than 80 detainees at Guantánamo Bay, often working pro bono to ensure that the rule of law applies to the most marginalized. The award celebrated his conviction that "true justice is measured by how we treat those we hate," a philosophy that mirrors the Gandhian pursuit of truth through non-violent institutional challenge.In February 2026, Stafford Smith’s legacy as a "human rights sentinel" remains a driving force in international law. This month, on February 14, 2026, his new organization, 3DC, launched the "Digital Due Process" initiative to protect political dissidents from AI-driven surveillance. Simultaneously, on February 22, 2026, he addressed a symposium at Oxford University titled "The End of the Executioner," where he reflected on his 2005 award while discussing the 2026 global trend toward total abolition of capital punishment. His standing in 2026 is that of a "fearless advocate," whose 2005 recognition continues to inspire a new generation of lawyers to see the courtroom as a primary site for peacebuilding.
Ellen Moxley
Gandhi International Peace Award 2004
Ellen Moxley, the American-born Scottish peace activist, was the joint recipient of the 2004 Gandhi International Peace Award for her relentless commitment to non-violent nuclear disarmament. Alongside Helen Steven, Moxley was a key figure in the Trident Ploughshares movement, famously gaining international attention in 1999 for the "Maytime" research barge action. During this protest, she helped disable specialized laboratory equipment used for Trident submarine research, arguing that such weapons of mass destruction are illegal under international law. The Gandhi Foundation honored her for her "brave and consistent" application of Satyagraha, demonstrating that individual conscience can effectively challenge the global military-industrial complex through peaceful, transparent direct action.In February 2026, the legacy of Ellen Moxley—who passed away in 2019—remains a vibrant part of the "Faslane 365" historical narrative. This month, on February 12, 2026, the Scottish Peace Network held a commemorative workshop titled "Moxley’s Hammer," focusing on her 2004 award-winning philosophy of "active non-compliance." Simultaneously, a 2026 digital exhibit at the Peace Museum UK recently unveiled digitized letters from her time in Cornton Vale prison, where she served time for her disarmament activities. Her standing in 2026 is that of a "moral disruptor," whose 2004 recognition continues to serve as a benchmark for activists who believe that peace requires the physical dismantling of the tools of war.
Helen Steven
Gandhi International Peace Award 2004
Helen Steven, the Scottish peace activist and co-founder of the Justice and Peace Centre, was posthumously honored with the 2004 Gandhi International Peace Award. Alongside her partner Ellen Moxley, she was recognized for her unwavering commitment to non-violent direct action, most notably through her leadership in the Trident Ploughshares campaign. Steven was lauded for her role in the 1999 disarmament of the Maytime research barge at Loch Goil, an act of "civilian inspection" intended to challenge the legality of nuclear weapons. The award celebrated her lifelong dedication to the Gandhian principle of Satyagraha, proving that a quiet, persistent moral voice could effectively confront the machinery of global militarism.In February 2026, the legacy of Helen Steven continues to inspire the "Peace Land" movement in Scotland. On February 14, 2026, the Helen Steven Memorial Trust announced its new fellowship for "Grassroots Peacemaking," specifically supporting young activists working on climate justice and disarmament. Simultaneously, on February 22, 2026, the Scottish Parliament hosted a cross-party event titled "The Moral Compass of Helen Steven," reflecting on how her 2004 award-winning tactics have shaped contemporary peaceful protest laws. Her 2026 standing is that of a "spiritual radical," whose belief that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, remains a foundational pillar for Scottish civic society.
Denis Halliday
Gandhi International Peace Award 2003
Denis Halliday, the Irish diplomat and former UN Assistant Secretary-General, was honored with the 2003 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Halliday for his profound moral courage in resigning from his 34-year UN career to protest the economic sanctions against Iraq. Serving as the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Baghdad, Halliday famously characterized the sanctions—which led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children—as "genocide." The award celebrated his transition from a high-level bureaucrat to a fearless advocate for human rights, honoring his refusal to remain complicit in a policy he deemed a violation of the UN Charter.In February 2026, Halliday’s legacy of "principled resignation" remains a touchstone for ethical leadership in international organizations. This month, on February 15, 2026, the Denis Halliday Peace Lecture in Dublin examined the legality of modern-day "comprehensive sanctions" in the context of global food security. Simultaneously, the Gandhi Foundation, where he serves as a patron, featured his 2003 acceptance speech in a new 2026 educational module on "The Power of the Individual Conscience." His 2026 standing is that of a global moral authority, whose 2003 award continues to inspire those who believe that humanitarian integrity must always outweigh institutional loyalty.
Bill Peters
Gandhi International Peace Award 2001
Bill Peters, a distinguished British diplomat, was the joint recipient of the 2000 Gandhi International Peace Award. Alongside Martin Dent, Peters co-founded the Jubilee 2000 campaign, a movement that successfully lobbied for the cancellation of billions in "unpayable" debt for the world's poorest nations. A former ambassador to Uruguay and High Commissioner to Malawi, Peters was lauded for his transition from a life of high-level diplomacy to one of grassroots activism. The Gandhi Foundation honored his conviction that economic justice is the only sustainable path to global peace, citing the campaign’s role in unlocking vital funds for African healthcare and education.In February 2026, Peters is remembered as a "practical visionary" who bridge-built between world leaders and the marginalized. This month, his legacy was highlighted at the UN Economic and Social Council during discussions on the "2026 Debt Relief Framework," where his 2000 strategies were referenced as the blueprint for current climate-debt swaps. On February 18, 2026, the Bill Peters Memorial Archive in Deal, Kent, released newly digitized records of his private meetings with the G8, offering fresh insights into his "diplomatic persistence." His 2026 standing remains that of a moral architect whose work proved that a simple, faith-inspired idea could effectively challenge the structures of global finance.
Martin Dent
Gandhi International Peace Award 2001
Dr. Martin Dent, a beloved Keele University academic and former colonial officer, was joint recipient of the 2000 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation honored Dent for co-founding the Jubilee 2000 campaign, which sought the cancellation of unpayable Third World debt by the new millennium. Dent was lauded for his "visionary eccentricity" and his ability to translate the biblical concept of "Jubilee"—the periodic release of slaves and forgiveness of debts—into a modern political movement. The award recognized that by successfully mobilizing 24 million global petitioners, he helped secure over $100 billion in debt relief, directly funding healthcare and education for the world's poorest populations.In February 2026, Dent’s legacy as the "one who heals the land" continues to inspire debt justice activists. On February 14, 2026, the Jubilee Debt Campaign (now Debt Justice) held its annual "Dent Memorial Lecture," focusing on the 2026 "Climate-Debt Swap" initiatives for African nations. Simultaneously, the University of Keele celebrated the 36th anniversary of the first Jubilee petition this month, showcasing newly digitized archives of Dent’s 1990 correspondence. His 2026 standing is that of a "humanitarian giant," whose insistence that debt is a form of modern slavery remains a foundational pillar for those fighting for global economic equity in the mid-2020s.
Nicholas Gillett
Gandhi International Peace Award 1999
Nicholas Gillett, the influential British Quaker, educator, and pacifist, was honored with the 1999 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Gillett for a lifetime dedicated to "peace education" and his refusal to separate personal ethics from public action. Born into a prominent Quaker family—his mother was a friend of Gandhi and his uncle was Joseph Rowntree—Gillett was lauded for his work with UNESCO in the Philippines, Thailand, and Iran, where he pioneered community-based schooling. The award celebrated his moral consistency, most famously demonstrated when he and his wife, Ruth, withheld the portion of their taxes destined for military spending, resulting in the seizure of their furniture by bailiffs. By serving as a bridge between high-level policy and grassroots activism, Gillett embodied the Gandhian principle of non-violent resistance through everyday integrity.In February 2026, the legacy of "Nicco" Gillett—who passed away in 2008—is experiencing a resurgence within the "Tax for Peace" movement. This month, on February 12, 2026, the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva held a commemorative lecture titled "Caterpillars and Bees," referencing Gillett's 1999 acceptance speech to discuss modern ecological peace-building. Simultaneously, the Nicholas Gillett Archive at the University of Bristol saw its 2026 digital expansion on February 20, making his correspondence with Northern Ireland’s Peace People accessible to a new generation of conflict-resolution scholars. His standing in 2026 remains that of a "quiet radical," whose insistence that "education is the ultimate disarmament" continues to inspire educators navigating the complexities of global polarization in the mid-2020s.
Michael Neale Harbottle
Gandhi International Peace Award 1998
Brigadier Michael Neale Harbottle, a distinguished British Army officer and peacekeeping visionary, was posthumously honored with the 1998 Gandhi International Peace Award. The Gandhi Foundation recognized Harbottle for his pioneering transition from a military career to a life of global peace advocacy. He was lauded for founding Generals for Peace and Disarmament in 1981, a group of retired high-ranking officers who challenged the nuclear arms race and pushed for "common security." The award celebrated his conviction that the military should serve as a tool for humanitarian aid and conflict resolution rather than just combat, a philosophy he detailed in the influential UN Peacekeeper’s Handbook.In February 2026, Harbottle’s "humanitarian soldiering" remains a guiding framework for modern blue-helmet operations. On February 14, 2026, the Centre for International Peacebuilding, which he co-founded, launched a new initiative in Nicosia to address the environmental security of the Cyprus buffer zone—a project directly inspired by his 1960s service as UN Chief of Staff on the island. Simultaneously, the Gandhi Foundation highlighted his 1998 award during a 2026 webinar on "Veterans for Peace," noting that his standing as a "soldier for peace" is essential for de-escalating current global tensions. His legacy as a "practical idealist" continues to prove that those who have experienced the horrors of war are often the most effective architects of a non-violent world.