The prize recognizes and rewards outstanding contributions toward bringing peoples, cultures, or nations to greater understanding of others. The inaugural Fulbright Prize was awarded to former South African President Nelson Mandela in 1993.
The Prize, which includes a $50,000 cash award, is presented at a special ceremony during which the laureate makes a substantive address on his/her work and aspirations. Four recipients of the Fulbright Prize — Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and Martti Ahtisaari — have later been named Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
The selection process for the 2018 Fulbright Prize has now concluded, and the announcement of the laureate is forthcoming.