OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities launches call for nominations for 2026 Max van der Stoel Award

THE HAGUE, 26 January 2026 – OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp today launched a call for nominations for the 2026 Max van der Stoel Award. The 50,000 euros award recognizes extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States. The deadline for nominations is 15 March 2026.

Eligible candidates include international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, government bodies, or individuals with a proven record of excellence in advancing the position and rights of national minorities in the OSCE geographic area.

The High Commissioner encouraged OSCE field operations, institutions and delegations of the OSCE participating States to nominate suitable candidates. 

Members of the public can also propose an eligible candidate to the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, which will then decide whether to nominate the proposed candidate.

“The Max van der Stoel Award has established itself as a prestigious and respected prize,” said High Commissioner Kamp.

“Through my work, I see that national minority issues are often overlooked, but these issues are essential to peace and security in the OSCE area. Most of my activities are conducted quietly, and this prize gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of these issues and celebrate the organizations and individuals whose work on the ground is improving the position and rights of national minorities, and thereby helping support our collective security,” he added.

OSCE field operations, institutions and delegations should send their nominations directly to the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities via email (mvds@hcnm.org), through the online form (maxvanderstoelaward.com), or by mail/diplomatic post to:

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Max van der Stoel Award
Tournooiveld 4

2511CX The Hague
The Netherlands

After receiving all nominations, a special jury composed of distinguished experts of international repute and chaired by the High Commissioner will choose the winner. The award will be presented at a ceremony in The Hague in the autumn of 2026.

Established in 2001 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the award honours Max van der Stoel, a prominent Dutch statesperson and the first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. It aims to draw attention to issues related to national minorities.

More information about the award is available in this factsheet.