Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President, has been honored with the 2026 Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize for his notable efforts in fostering peace and international cooperation. The award, decided by an international panel, was given to Tô Lâm for his significant work in promoting dialogue, peace, and collaboration among countries.
Valery Gergiev, the jury chairman and General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre, announced the decision, highlighting Vietnam’s impressive economic progress while maintaining its cultural heritage in an era of global integration. The jury recognized Tô Lâm’s impact on Vietnam’s advancement, his support for global justice, and his advocacy for international law and peaceful dialogue in global affairs.
Among the jury members were influential figures such as Vladimir Tolstoy, a descendant of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and Director General of the State Museum of L.N. Tolstoy, French public figure Pierre de Gaulle, and South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Sisulu. They collectively emphasized the need to uphold the humanitarian values promoted by Tolstoy and lauded Vietnam’s transformation from a war-torn country to a rapidly growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region. The jury described this development as a source of inspiration for nations striving for peace and sustainable growth.
The Lev N. Tolstoy International Peace Prize, in its third edition, honors those who have made substantial contributions to peace and international understanding. The laureate is chosen by an international council comprising distinguished political, cultural, and public personalities from countries such as Argentina, Belarus, China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and South Africa.