JA Worldwide Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

The nomination deadline for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize is today, and we have just learned that JA Worldwide has been nominated! This is an incredible honor for the entire JA network, which includes over 340 local offices in 115 countries.

Nominations may only be received from heads of state and certain elected officials, university professors in selected fields, past Nobel laureates, and a few other notable individuals. Although the identity of each nominee is officially to remain anonymous for 50 years, we have received permission to share with you that we were nominated by a distinguished Professor of Law and International Affairs who was impressed by JA’s incredible global reach, our success in delivering economic empowerment to youth at scale, and our ability to find unity in diversity.

For centuries, unemployment and poverty have led to political instability, violence, and war. By economically empowering youth on all continents (even during this pandemic), JA serves a conduit for peace. We envision a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. JA has a heritage of impacting the lives of individuals. While we continue to grow and impact individuals at scale, the impact of JA is felt in communities and across countries.

This nomination for JA Worldwide is the beginning of a journey for us. Many organizations have been nominated multiple times before they’ve been shortlisted or selected as a winner. We’re honored and humbled to be considered for the first time alongside such an illustrious group of nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize. And we hope that this honor inspires the JA network to achieve more, maximize our impact, and recognize that there is unity in diversity.

Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, shared his perspective in response to the nomination: “Peace is only possible when youth in all countries and regions have economic empowerment. JA Worldwide is honored to receive this nomination and will continue our work to enable all young people to have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Our primary hope for solving the world’s most complex problems rests in the young people of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Although all other Nobel prizes are awarded in Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, assisted by the Norwegian Nobel Institute, which acts as its secretariat. Grete Nykkelmo, CEO of JA Norway (Ungt Entreprenørskap), responded to the news in this way: “We are delighted to share in this recognition as a proud member of the JA Worldwide network. Our unique blend of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness enables us to impact individuals, communities, and society. Peace is achieved when young people have economic opportunity, and we are honored that JA has been recognized alongside other nominees that are striving for a more peaceful world.”