Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President, has been honored with the Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize for 2026. The award acknowledges his significant contributions to fostering peace and international cooperation. The international jury, which selected Tô Lâm unanimously, highlighted his pivotal role in promoting dialogue and collaboration among nations.
The announcement was made by Valery Gergiev, the jury chairman and renowned General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre, who commended Vietnam’s swift economic growth while maintaining its cultural essence amidst global integration. The jury recognized Tô Lâm’s efforts in advancing Vietnam’s development and endorsing global justice, as well as his advocacy for respect of international law and peaceful international relations.
The prestigious award, now in its third iteration, seeks to honor individuals making notable contributions to peace and international understanding. The selection process involves an international council with esteemed political, cultural, and public figures from diverse countries, including Argentina, Belarus, China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and South Africa.
Among the jury members were Vladimir Tolstoy, Director General of the State Museum of L.N. Tolstoy and a descendant of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, along with French public figure Pierre de Gaulle and South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Sisulu. They underscored the value of preserving the humanitarian ideals championed by Tolstoy and applauded Vietnam’s transformation from a war-torn nation to one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, considering it a beacon for peace and sustainable development.