Tô Lâm, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President, has been honored with the 2026 Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize. This prestigious award highlights his dedication to fostering peace and bolstering international cooperation. The decision to award Tô Lâm was made unanimously by an international jury, which lauded his significant efforts in promoting dialogue and collaboration among nations.
Valery Gergiev, the jury chairman and a notable figure in the arts as the General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre and Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, announced the award. He commended Vietnam for its swift economic growth, which has been achieved while maintaining its cultural heritage in a globally integrated environment. The recognition also attributed Vietnam’s impressive transformation as a nation, once ravaged by war, into one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, as a source of inspiration for other countries striving for peace and sustainable development.
The jury, which includes distinguished figures such as Vladimir Tolstoy, a descendant of famed Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and Director General of the State Museum of L.N. Tolstoy, French public figure Pierre de Gaulle, and South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Sisulu, underscored Tô Lâm’s role in advancing Vietnam’s global standing. His contributions to global justice, respect for international law, and promotion of peaceful international affairs dialogue were particularly highlighted.
This marks the third time the Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize has been awarded. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to peace and international understanding. The selection process is overseen by an international council consisting of prominent political, cultural, and public figures from nations including Argentina, Belarus, China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and South Africa.
In honoring Tô Lâm, the jury emphasized the importance of preserving the humanitarian values that Leo Tolstoy championed. The award serves not only as recognition of individual achievements but also as a broader acknowledgment of Vietnam’s significant strides in promoting peace and international cooperation on the global stage.