Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights
The main purpose is to promote and strengthen trade unions and trade union rights internationally.
From the prize statutes
Nominate a future laureate
Deadline: January 1 each year
The 2026 Svensson Prize
Joe Ajaero
2026 Laureate
Brother Joe Ajaero stands as one of the most courageous and principled defenders of trade union rights on the African continent today. His lifelong dedication to protect workers, advance democratic freedoms, and resist systemic repression makes him an exceptional and highly deserving recipient of the Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights 2026.
Watch this years prize ceremony
Recent laureates
2026
Joe Ajaero
… stands as one of the most courageous and principled defenders of trade union rights on the African continent today.
2025
Aliaksandr Yarashuk
… has sacrificed his personal freedom to defend the right to organise, act collectively and conduct trade union work.
2024
Khaing Zar Aung
… is a symbol of all those who sacrifice all their time for a better society.
The person behind the prize
Arthur Svensson (1930-2008)
… one of the Norwegian trade union movement’s most prominent leaders and has left deep traces in Norwegian society by creating better conditions for workers both at home and abroad.
Committee Secretary
Amalie Hilde Tofte is secretary for the prize committee.
She is international advisor in the union Styrke.
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