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 recognizes his significant contributions to fostering peace and international cooperation, as decided unanimously by the international jury. His efforts have been pivotal in enhancing dialogue and cooperation among nations, underscoring the importance of peaceful relations on the global stage.
The announcement was made by Valery Gergiev, the jury chairman and a prominent figure in the arts as the General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre and Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre. Gergiev lauded Vietnam’s ability to maintain its cultural heritage while achieving rapid economic growth in an increasingly globalized world. This balance, he noted, has been crucial to the country’s development and its role in supporting global justice and adherence to international law.
Further endorsements of Tô Lâm’s achievements came from other jury members, including Vladimir Tolstoy, the Director General of the State Museum of L.N. Tolstoy and a descendant of the famed Russian author, along with French public figure Pierre de Gaulle and South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Sisulu. They highlighted the significance of upholding the humanitarian values promoted by Leo Tolstoy and praised Vietnam’s remarkable transition from a war-torn nation to a leading economy in the Asia-Pacific region, serving as a beacon of hope for countries striving for peace and sustainable advancement.
The Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize, now in its third edition, is awarded to individuals who have made impactful contributions to peace and mutual understanding across nations. The selection process is carried out by an international council featuring distinguished political, cultural, and public figures from countries including Argentina, Belarus, China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and South Africa. This award continues to honor those who embody the spirit of peace and cooperation, reinforcing the values that Tolstoy himself championed.