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Nobel laureate Navi Pillay quips about sharing prize with Trump

In a lighthearted moment following her Nobel Peace Prize win, human rights advocate Navi Pillay joked that increased applause might convince her to share the honour with former US President Donald Trump.

LSN India · 9 October 2026

Nobel laureate Navi Pillay quips about sharing prize with Trump

South African human rights lawyer and former UN official Navi Pillay marked her Nobel Peace Prize achievement with characteristic humour, playfully suggesting she could be persuaded to divide the prestigious award if audiences showed sufficient enthusiasm through their applause.

Pillay's witticism came as she received congratulations following the announcement of her Nobel win, reflecting the lighter side of her personality despite decades spent confronting serious human rights violations globally.

The veteran advocate has long established herself as one of Asia and Africa's leading voices on human rights protection. Her career spans work with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, leadership roles within the United Nations, and extensive contributions to advancing justice and accountability mechanisms across the developing world.

Pillay's Nobel Peace Prize recognition underscores the international community's acknowledgment of her unwavering commitment to defending vulnerable populations and promoting the rule of law in complex, often dangerous circumstances. Her appointment as a key figure in global human rights advocacy has made her a respected commentator on contemporary justice issues affecting the South and Southeast Asian regions.