A total of 287 candidates are in the running for this year's Nobel Peace Prize

The Norwegian Nobel Institute revealed on Thursday that it had received 287 nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize this year, consisting of 208 individuals and 79 organisations, although the names of these nominees were not disclosed.

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This year's total is lower than the record 376 nominations submitted in 2016, yet the institute considers the number to be "consistently high", reflecting the abundance of candidates who have made significant contributions to the pursuit of peace.

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According to the institute, "In an increasingly conflictual world, there is no lack of candidates whose principled commitment and innovative action points towards a brighter future", highlighting the diverse range of nominees who have been recognised for their efforts.

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The Nobel statutes dictate that the identities of the nominees must remain confidential for a period of 50 years, but those authorised to submit nominations, including former laureates and certain government officials, are at liberty to disclose the names of their proposed candidates.

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Among the disclosed nominees for this year's prize, which is scheduled to be announced on October 9, are notable figures such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and the International Criminal Court.

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Additionally, several individuals have publicly stated that they have nominated US President Donald Trump, who had previously expressed his desire to win the peace prize for his claimed efforts to prevent eight wars.

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Trump had openly expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for the prize last year, which was instead awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who subsequently dedicated her award to Trump and presented him with her prize medal in January.

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The Nobel Peace Prize committee, however, clarified that the medal itself is not the actual prize, and that the honour is inextricably linked to the person who received the award.

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Nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize must be submitted by January 31 of each year, but the committee is permitted to add new names to the list of candidates during their first meeting after the deadline, which took place on February 26, according to the institute.