Former United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay has joked about sharing the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize with US President Donald Trump, drawing laughter from an audience at an academic and legal conference in Germany.
According to a report by The Independent, Pillay made the remark at an event at the Nuremberg court, where she was greeted with applause. In a video shared by Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard, the South African jurist said she might share the award with Trump if the audience applauded a little louder.
The Nobel Committee recognised Pillay for her role in advancing the prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said the award highlighted the importance of international law and justice at a time when legal institutions face mounting pressure.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, pointing to his claims of helping to resolve international conflicts. In 2025, the award went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, prompting criticism from the White House, which accused the committee of prioritising politics over peace. Machado later symbolically presented her prize to Trump in recognition of what she described as his commitment to Venezuelan freedom.
Pillay has a long record in human rights and international justice. She defended Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists.
