NPPC Top


The International Committee for the Niwano Peace Prize


The independent International Niwano Peace Prize Committee is responsible for selecting the recipient of the Peace Prize each year. The Committee’s members have a deep commitment to peace and a conviction that the world’s spiritual traditions play a vital role in building peaceful and just societies. The committee was formed in 2002, and it assures the Niwano Peace Prize a global and multi-religious character.

The eleven members of the Committee are drawn from religious and spiritual leaders from different religious traditions and world regions. The Committee has always included members from five continents and a balance of male and female members. Members serve two year terms, and meet annually in Tokyo to reach consensus on the annual recipient. The Committee works throughout the year to advise the Foundation on the selection process and on the award ceremony. Its work is confidential. Each member and the Committee as a whole shares the vision and the objectives of the Niwano Peace Foundation: that is, to honor and celebrate extraordinary individuals whose lives are dedicated to the work of peace.

Katherine Marshall
Chair, International Niwano Peace Prize Selection Committee
November, 2011

The Committee Members

Ms. Katherine Marshall - The Chairperson -

Katherine Marshall (edited) .jpg- Executive Director of the World Faiths Development Dialogue
- Christian
- U.S.A.
- 2007-Present

Rev. Nichiko Niwano

100512_871_189.jpg- President of Rissho Kosei-kai
- Buddhist
- Japan
- Ex-officio

Mr. Doudou Diene

Doudou Diene.JPG- United Nations Special Rapporteur
- Muslim
- Senegal
- 2004-2011

Ms. Yasmin Sooka

Yasmin Sooka.JPG- Director of the Foundation of Human Rights in South Africa
- Hindu
- South Africa
- 2004-2011

Miss Christian Lee

W_HandLens.gif- Focolare Movement headquaters official
- Christian
- Italy
- 2005-2011

Ven. Dr. Phramaha Boonchuay Doojai

Doojai_2.jpg- Lecturer of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
- Buddhist
- Thailand
- 2007-Present

Dr. Jae-Shik Oh

Oh Jae-Shik.jpg- Director of Asia Institute
- Christian
- Korea
- 2007-Present

Mr. Samuel Lobato

Samuel Lobato.jpg- Peace and Human Rights Activist
- Christian
- Colombia
- 2007-2011

Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra

Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra.jpg- The Muslim Council of Britain
- Muslim
- The U.K.
- 2009-Present

Ms. Birgitta Rantakari

Birgitta Rantakari.jpg- Director of International Affairs, Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Finland
- Christian
- Finland
- 2010-Present

Dr. Alan Unterman

Alan Unterman.jpg- Former Minister of the Yeshurun Synagogue in Manchester, UK
- Jewish
- The U.K.
- 2011-Present