### Prize Includes the Nkosi Statuette and a Desmond Tutu Scholarship
This Wednesday, a remarkable young woman named Bana Alabed captivated the world by receiving the International Children’s Peace Prize from the KidsRights Foundation. At just 15 years old, the Syrian activist has become a voice for children caught in the chaos of war, reflecting both resilience and hope in her journey.
### A Voice for Children in Conflict
Bana Alabed’s journey to this prestigious accolade began during the harrowing siege of Aleppo in 2016. As a young girl, she documented her experiences through diaries, blogs, and social media, gaining international recognition. Acknowledging the heavy toll of conflict, she vocally advocates for accountability, calling on global leaders like Bashar al-Assad to answer for their actions in the Syrian war.
Receiving the award from Tawakkol Karman, a Yemeni human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, marks a poignant moment. Karman’s endorsement underscores the significance of Bana’s efforts to bring awareness to the plight of children in war-torn regions.
### Reflections on Childhood in Crisis
During her acceptance speech, Bana painted a vivid picture of her childhood spent in fear. She recalled “the nights full of fear and the noise of bombs” that marked her early years in Aleppo. This recollection was not merely a personal reflection but a universal message dedicated to her “heroes” — the children suffering in silence and mothers with tears that never seem to dry.
Her powerful declaration that “all children deserve to live in peace” resonates far beyond Syria. She directed her words toward conflict zones across the globe, including Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Kashmir, emphasizing that the time for silence is over.
### The Prize’s Impact
The International Children’s Peace Prize carries significant recognition and support for the winner. Bana Alabed will receive the Nkosi statuette, a symbol of child-led advocacy, alongside a Desmond Tutu scholarship designed to fund her education. Additionally, the prize includes €50,000, which will be dedicated to financing her project aimed at promoting children’s rights and raising awareness about conflicts involving children.
The KidsRights Foundation’s mission goes beyond this individual prize; they are committed to funding projects that uplift children worldwide. In 2024, they plan to support 16 projects in 10 different countries, capable of impacting as many as 156,000 children globally.
### A Broader Community of Young Activists
Bana Alabed’s recognition is part of a larger movement to honor young activists championing various causes. The KidsRights Foundation received over 200 nominations from 47 countries for the 2025 edition of this “Nobel for Peace” for children. Other finalists included 16-year-old Divyansh Agrawal from the United States, who mobilized communities in a fight for climate justice, and 17-year-old Aeshnina Azzahra Aqilani, who exposed the hazardous practice of Western nations exporting plastic waste to Indonesia.
This prize has previously honored prominent figures like Malala Yousafzai, known for her advocacy for educational rights, and Greta Thunberg, an environmental champion. Each recipient reflects a dynamic commitment to improving the world, particularly in the realm of children’s rights and education access.
### KidsRights Foundation’s Vision
The ethos behind the International Children’s Peace Prize is to provide a platform for children to communicate their ideas and personal experiences in the fight for children’s rights. The Dutch KidsRights Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about children’s rights and ensuring that these young voices are included in discussions that shape political agendas worldwide.
Through Bana and others like her, the foundation aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who are not afraid to speak up for those often rendered voiceless.