A milestone on a difficult path
(for the award of the International Tolstoy Peace Prize)
The turbulent 20th century, which experienced two world wars and a number of tectonic shifts in world history, has been replaced by the current 21st century. Global shocks in its first quarter were avoided. But it's obvious that the world is dangerously close to them.
The only way to bring humanity back from the brink is through joint efforts. They should be led and directed not only by responsible politicians who are aware of the depth of the crisis. Those whom we call "leaders of public opinion" play a special role in uniting the efforts of mankind.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the effectiveness of personal or collective noble efforts depends to a large extent on public recognition, as wide and unanimous as possible.
Recognition comes in various forms. Among the most effective is the presentation of commemorative awards as signs of appreciation for the humane mission of the laureates.
In 2022, the Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy International Peace Prize was established in Russia. The fact that she has acquired the name of a titan of world culture and a genius "for all time" is deeply natural. After all, Leo Tolstoy is not only a literary classic, but also a great humanist. His thoughts on opposing universal evil with justice and kindness have become widespread. One can argue with some details of Tolstoy's teaching. But his general humanistic orientation is indisputable and universal.
The first high award in the history of the Tolstoy Prize was awarded to the African Union by a decision of an authoritative international jury at the end of 2023. This regional association of countries with the youngest and most dynamic populations is playing a growing role in world politics. His achievements in resolving regional conflicts, peacekeeping in Africa, and ensuring peace and security on the continent and beyond are generally recognized.
The award from the hands of the chairman of the jury, world-renowned conductor maestro Valery Gergiev was accepted by the Chairman of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The award ceremony took place on September 9, 2024 in Moscow, on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. The ceremony was attended by distinguished Russian and foreign guests, representatives of public circles , scientists and artists. The ceremony was enlivened by the participation of young people – students, including foreign students studying at Russian universities.
In his greeting to the participants of the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the initiative to establish the Leo Tolstoy Prize and called for the promotion of "noble ideas of maintaining peace and security on the planet, protecting human rights and freedoms, and forming a new just multipolar world order."
The International Peace Prize, named after the great Russian humanitarian writer, has, figuratively speaking, "entered orbit." It was the fourth year of her life, or, more correctly, of her public ministry.
We are waiting for new laureates – individual and collective, men and women, all who have crossed the threshold of two centuries in adulthood and have developed as individuals already in the new, 21st century. The jury has a difficult mission of selecting candidates. Let's wish the Tolstoy Prize a high flight!
03/06/2025
The city of Moscow
(for the award of the International Tolstoy Peace Prize)
The turbulent 20th century, which experienced two world wars and a number of tectonic shifts in world history, has been replaced by the current 21st century. Global shocks in its first quarter were avoided. But it's obvious that the world is dangerously close to them.
The only way to bring humanity back from the brink is through joint efforts. They should be led and directed not only by responsible politicians who are aware of the depth of the crisis. Those whom we call "leaders of public opinion" play a special role in uniting the efforts of mankind.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the effectiveness of personal or collective noble efforts depends to a large extent on public recognition, as wide and unanimous as possible.
Recognition comes in various forms. Among the most effective is the presentation of commemorative awards as signs of appreciation for the humane mission of the laureates.
In 2022, the Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy International Peace Prize was established in Russia. The fact that she has acquired the name of a titan of world culture and a genius "for all time" is deeply natural. After all, Leo Tolstoy is not only a literary classic, but also a great humanist. His thoughts on opposing universal evil with justice and kindness have become widespread. One can argue with some details of Tolstoy's teaching. But his general humanistic orientation is indisputable and universal.
The first high award in the history of the Tolstoy Prize was awarded to the African Union by a decision of an authoritative international jury at the end of 2023. This regional association of countries with the youngest and most dynamic populations is playing a growing role in world politics. His achievements in resolving regional conflicts, peacekeeping in Africa, and ensuring peace and security on the continent and beyond are generally recognized.
The award from the hands of the chairman of the jury, world-renowned conductor maestro Valery Gergiev was accepted by the Chairman of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The award ceremony took place on September 9, 2024 in Moscow, on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. The ceremony was attended by distinguished Russian and foreign guests, representatives of public circles , scientists and artists. The ceremony was enlivened by the participation of young people – students, including foreign students studying at Russian universities.
In his greeting to the participants of the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the initiative to establish the Leo Tolstoy Prize and called for the promotion of "noble ideas of maintaining peace and security on the planet, protecting human rights and freedoms, and forming a new just multipolar world order."
The International Peace Prize, named after the great Russian humanitarian writer, has, figuratively speaking, "entered orbit." It was the fourth year of her life, or, more correctly, of her public ministry.
We are waiting for new laureates – individual and collective, men and women, all who have crossed the threshold of two centuries in adulthood and have developed as individuals already in the new, 21st century. The jury has a difficult mission of selecting candidates. Let's wish the Tolstoy Prize a high flight!
03/06/2025
The city of Moscow