South African jurist and former UN chief justice [Navi Pillay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navi_Pillay) received the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize and, while being applauded in Nuremberg, quipped that she might "share the prize" with U.S. President Donald Trump if the clapping continued. The comment was captured in a video posted on X by the Secretary‑General of Amnesty International.
**What prompted the joke?**
Pillay said her initial reaction to the announcement was disbelief, describing it as "a joke" and insisting, as a lawyer and former judge, that she needed to verify the news before accepting it.
**Which work did she highlight?**
She referenced her recent role heading the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI), which last year concluded that genocide was occurring in Gaza. "The last thing I did was deliver the Gaza report, labeling the events there as genocide," she explained.
**How did she respond to the praise?**
Pillay noted that many praised her courage for issuing the report, adding, "You can imagine how surprised I was – why would you need courage to speak the truth?"
The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma and a cash award of $1.2 million. The formal presentation is scheduled for Oslo on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
**What does the prize signify?**
The award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to peace, and Pillay’s receipt underscores her long‑standing commitment to international justice and human rights.