Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 on Friday. The Norwegian Nobel Committee honoured her with the Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” Over the years, Machado has become an emblem of resilience, advocating against authoritarianism while emphasizing social justice and human rights. Her decades-long efforts have now earned her the world’s most prestigious recognition for peace, cementing her place among global leaders driving change.
Who is Maria Corina Machado?
58-year-old María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan politician, industrial engineer, and human rights advocate. Born on October 7, 1967, she rose to prominence as a member of Venezuela’s National Assembly from 2011 to 2014, championing democratic reforms, transparency, and civil liberties. She has long been one of the most fearless voices challenging authoritarian rule in Latin America. She holds a degree in industrial engineering from Andrés Bello Catholic University and a master’s in finance from IESA Business School, Caracas. In 2009, she further honed her global perspective at Yale University’s World Fellows Program. In 1992 she founded Atenea Foundation, aimed at supporting the street children in Caracas. Her political journey began in the early 2000s, when she co-founded Súmate, a civic organization advocating for electoral transparency and citizen participation.
Machado currently leading the opposition party Vente Venezuela, was instrumental in establishing the Soy Venezuela in 2017, a coalition that unites pro-democracy groups across the country’s political spectrum. In 2023, she announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential elections.
Machado, a symbol of hope and peace
The Nobel Committee described her as a “unifying force” in a deeply divided opposition, praising her courage to keep “to a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.” Through her leadership, millions of Venezuelans have found renewed faith in the possibility of peaceful change.
