The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien to Receive the 2026 IPA | AIP Humanitarian Leadership
Award

The International Peace Alliance | Alliance Internationale de la Paix (IPA | AIP) is honoured to announce that The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, former Prime Minister of Canada, will receive the 2026 IPA | AIP Humanitarian Leadership Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to international humanitarian protection, peacebuilding, international law, and global cooperation.

"The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien helped redefine the meaning of global security by placing human dignity at its centre. His leadership in advancing the global ban on anti-personnel landmines, strengthening international humanitarian law, and promoting international cooperation represents one of the most significant humanitarian legacies of our time. His vision continues to protect lives and inspire international cooperation across generations. We are proud to recognize his enduring contributions to a more peaceful and just world."

— The Honourable Dr. Alvin Curling

President & Chair International Peace Alliance | Alliance Internationale de la Paix (IPA | AIP)

The award will be presented during the Peace Ambassadors Awards Gala & Grand Ball, the closing celebration of the 2026 International Peace Festival, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Canada.

Throughout his tenure as Prime Minister of Canada from 1993 to 2003, Jean Chrétien emerged as one of the world's foremost advocates for a modern understanding of human security—one that places the protection of individuals, civilians, and vulnerable populations at the heart of international peace and security.

Among his most enduring achievements was his leadership in advancing the Ottawa Treaty (1997), formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibited the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Widely regarded as one of the most successful humanitarian disarmament agreements in modern history, the treaty has saved countless lives, protected civilian populations, and helped restore communities affected by conflict.

Beyond the Ottawa Treaty, Mr. Chrétien played a significant role in strengthening international humanitarian law and global accountability. His government supported the development of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, reinforced Canada's commitment to international justice, and contributed to the evolution of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine through support for the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty.

His leadership also helped advance initiatives including the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, designed to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, while supporting international peacekeeping and stabilization efforts in regions affected by conflict. Throughout his public service, he consistently championed multilateral cooperation, diplomacy, and the protection of civilians through strong international institutions.

Jean Chrétien's vision of international leadership helped shape a generation of humanitarian policy founded on cooperation, accountability, respect for international law, and the protection of human dignity. His contributions continue to influence international peacebuilding efforts and remain an enduring example of principled public service.