The Ceremony

The ceremony will be both an honour and a celebration of the laureate’s achievements and includes performances by the renowned Afrobeat musician Tony Allen, an acoustic set by Japanese artist Miyavi, a classical violin piece from renowned artist Mariela Shaker and speeches from our inspirational keynote speaker, Syrian refugee Nujeen Mustafa, as well as from the winner themselves.

The ceremony is organized by UNHCR in cooperation with the Government of Norway and the Norwegian Refugee Council, the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva and the IKEA Foundation, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups and organizations who support those forced to flee. 

Invitations have now been circulated and invitees must register before Friday 22 September to secure their ticket.

Unfortunately, the event is not open to the general public. However the event will be streamed via Facebook Live – giving our online audience a unique insight into the back-stage preparations, as well as some of the performances.

2016 Nansen Refugee Award Ceremony

03 October 2016

  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, addresses the audience at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
    UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, addresses the audience at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • The reigning World Poetry Slam Champion, Emi Mahmoud, performs at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
    The reigning World Poetry Slam Champion, Emi Mahmoud, performs at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, gave the keynote address at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
    BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, gave the keynote address at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • Dance troupe, The Grey People, perform a dance capturing the struggle experienced by many refugees throughout the world.
    Dance troupe, The Grey People, perform a dance capturing the struggle experienced by many refugees throughout the world. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • 2006 Nansen Refugee Award winner, Dr Akio Kanai, attended the 2016 ceremony.
    2006 Nansen Refugee Award winner, Dr Akio Kanai, attended the 2016 ceremony. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • Lebanese TV host and UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Neshan, served as Master of Ceremonies.
    Lebanese TV host and UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Neshan, served as Master of Ceremonies. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • Senegalese singer and guitarist, Baaba Maal, sings at the ceremony.
    Senegalese singer and guitarist, Baaba Maal, sings at the ceremony. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • Senegalese singer and guitarist, Baaba Maal, closes the ceremony while the other performers dance in the background.
    Senegalese singer and guitarist, Baaba Maal, closes the ceremony while the other performers dance in the background. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, with the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award winners, UN High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, UNHCR's Europe Bureau Head, Vincent Cochetel and the Secretary General's wife, Yoo Soon-taek at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
    UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, with the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award winners, UN High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, UNHCR's Europe Bureau Head, Vincent Cochetel and the Secretary General's wife, Yoo Soon-taek at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • Lebanese TV host and UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Neshan, served as Master of Ceremonies.
    Lebanese TV host and UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Neshan, served as Master of Ceremonies. © UNHCR/Mark Henley
  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, addresses the audience at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
  • The reigning World Poetry Slam Champion, Emi Mahmoud, performs at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
  • BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, gave the keynote address at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
  • Dance troupe, The Grey People, perform a dance capturing the struggle experienced by many refugees throughout the world.
  • 2006 Nansen Refugee Award winner, Dr Akio Kanai, attended the 2016 ceremony.
  • Lebanese TV host and UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Neshan, served as Master of Ceremonies.
  • Senegalese singer and guitarist, Baaba Maal, sings at the ceremony.
  • Senegalese singer and guitarist, Baaba Maal, closes the ceremony while the other performers dance in the background.
  • UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, with the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award winners, UN High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, UNHCR's Europe Bureau Head, Vincent Cochetel and the Secretary General's wife, Yoo Soon-taek at the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
  • Lebanese TV host and UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Neshan, served as Master of Ceremonies.

2017 Ceremony performers and artists

Information will be shared soon.