Tô Lâm, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President, has been honored with the Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize for 2026. This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to fostering peace and international collaboration. The decision to award Tô Lâm was made unanimously by the international jury, which highlighted his efforts to enhance dialogue and cooperation among nations, thus strengthening global peace.
The announcement was made by Valery Gergiev, who serves as the General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre and Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre. He commended Vietnam’s remarkable economic advancement while maintaining its cultural heritage amidst the pressures of global integration. The jury’s decision also emphasized Tô Lâm’s pivotal role in promoting Vietnam’s growth, upholding global justice, advocating for international law, and fostering dialogue and peaceful cooperation in world affairs.
Among the jury members were Vladimir Tolstoy, Director General of the State Museum of L.N. Tolstoy and a descendant of the famed Russian author Leo Tolstoy, French public figure Pierre de Gaulle, and South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Sisulu. These members underscored the importance of preserving the humanitarian values that Tolstoy championed. They praised Vietnam’s transformation from a war-torn nation to one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, considering the country’s development an inspiring model for other nations aiming for peace and sustainable growth.
The Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize, now in its third edition, is awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to peace and international understanding. The selection process involves an international council composed of prominent political, cultural, and public figures from various countries, including Argentina, Belarus, China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and South Africa.