The student group is ready for the Rafto Prize 2026

We are approaching Rafto Week, which will be held from November 2–8. The week features a wide range of events and activities related to this year’s laureate, and the student group plays a central role in both planning and execution.

This year’s student group consists of 16 students, divided into four subgroups: the conference group, the stage group, the information group, and the logistics group. Each group is responsible for its own area, but together they form the driving force behind the events during Rafto Week.

- We are incredibly excited about Rafto Week and to take part in honoring this year’s Rafto Prize laureate. It is inspiring to contribute to highlighting important human rights work, while also being part of an engaged student group with diverse backgrounds. The work we do throughout the year is both educational and meaningful, and it is very rewarding to contribute to something that matters so much, both locally and internationally, says Nicholas Dris Haga and Frida Sagberg, chair and deputy chair of the 2026 student group.

In the months leading up to autumn, the students will, among other things, recruit experts and artists for the Rafto Conference and Award ceremony, plan the traditional Torchlight procession, and help generate broad awareness of this year’s Rafto Prize.

Volunteering plays a major role

The Rafto Foundation has its roots in voluntary student engagement at the Norwegian School of Economics in 1986. Since then, hundreds of students have contributed to further developing the foundation’s work for human rights.

- Volunteering is the very foundation of the Rafto Foundation. The engagement and drive that students bring are crucial for our ability to create meeting places for human rights, year after year. I look forward to seeing the results of this work during Rafto Week in November, when we once again highlight important human rights efforts, says Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt, Executive Director of the Rafto Foundation.

These days, this year’s work is getting fully underway. The first milestone is the announcement of the Rafto Prize 2026 at Media City Bergen on September 16 at 10:00.

We are looking forward to Rafto Week! Here’s how you can take part:

• The Rafto Conference
• The Rafto Prize Award Ceremony
• The Torchlight Procession