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 accolade acknowledges his significant efforts in fostering peace and international cooperation. The international jury’s unanimous choice reflects Tô Lâm’s dedication to enhancing dialogue and collaboration among nations.
Valery Gergiev, who presides over the selection committee as chairman and holds leadership roles in the Bolshoi Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre, highlighted Vietnam’s swift economic growth. This progress has been achieved while maintaining the country’s rich cultural identity amid its integration into the global community. The jury lauded Tô Lâm for his influence in Vietnam’s advancement and his commitment to global justice, respect for international law, and the encouragement of peaceful international dialogue.
Among the jury members were influential figures such as Vladimir Tolstoy, a descendant of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and the Director General of the State Museum of L.N. Tolstoy, as well as French public figure Pierre de Gaulle and South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Sisulu. They stressed the importance of preserving the humanitarian values that Leo Tolstoy championed. Additionally, they admired Vietnam’s transformation from a war-torn nation into one of the Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing economies, viewing it as a beacon of peace and sustainable development for other countries.
The prestigious Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize, awarded for the third time, honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to peace and international understanding. The selection is made by an international council composed of eminent political, cultural, and public figures from Argentina, Belarus, China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and South Africa.