Mozambican rights activist and humanitarian Graca Machel has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2025, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust announced.
Citation for Global Humanitarian Work
Ms. Machel was chosen in recognition of her “path-breaking work” in the fields of:
- Education,
- Health and nutrition,
- Economic empowerment, and
- Humanitarian action,
often carried out under difficult and conflict-affected circumstances.
About the Award
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development carries:
- A cash award of ₹1 crore,
- A citation, and
- A trophy.
The prize is awarded annually to individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to peace, development, and international cooperation.
Landmark UN Role
In the 1990s, Graca Machel led a landmark United Nations study on the impact of armed conflict on children. The study fundamentally reshaped global humanitarian policy and responses, placing the protection and rights of children at the centre of international conflict and post-conflict interventions.
Global Leadership and Advocacy
Since then, Ms. Machel has:
- Served on several international bodies, and
- Founded and supported institutions focused on women’s empowerment, child development, and social transformation.
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