The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006 to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank.
17/10/2006 :: In its announcement the Nobel Committee states that "the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006, is to be divided into two equal parts, between Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. Lasting peace can not be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty. Micro-credit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights."
The Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg congratulates Mohammad Yunus and Grameen Bank of Bangladesh who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2006. "For 30 years they have granted loans to the poor, and in particular to women, making it possible for them to start new enterprises and work their way out of poverty", said the Prime Minister.
“I am very pleased that the Norwegian Nobel Committee has paid this tribute to Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank,” said the Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “They have provided concrete and down-to-earth help that has enabled millions of people to rise out of poverty. The Grameen Bank is one of the most important examples of successful development assistance. It has created a microcredit model that is being copied all over the world."
“This is an enormously creative contribution to the development debate. It is obvious that improving people’s living conditions is an important factor in creating peace. I am very happy, therefore, that the Nobel Committee is directing focus to this issue. Microcredit is something this Government gives priority to – and will give greater priority to in the future,” said the Norwegian Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.
The Grameen Bank is represented throughout Bangladesh, and 97 per cent of its total of six million borrowers are women. Its lending model is based on respect, and confidence in what poor women can achieve and in their ability to create a better future for themselves if they are only given the opportunity. This is a ground-breaking concept in many places.
Norway has provided NOK 400 million to the Grameen Bank over a ten-year period. It was one of the first countries to believe in the concept, and provided funding until the bank was able to stand on its own feet.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs