Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado, Recipient of the McCain Institute’s 2025 Courage & Leadership Award, named Nobel Peace Prize winner
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 10, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) today congratulates María Corina Machado, a fearless leader of Venezuela’s democratic movement, for being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
The McCain Institute was proud to award Machado its Courage & Leadership Award at the 2025 Sedona Forum. Watch her full acceptance speech HERE.
“In the face of authoritarianism, María Corina Machado exemplifies principled bravery,” said McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas. “María is a fearless leader who hasn’t wavered in her fight to uphold the core tenets of democracy at a time when it is under threat. This award is a recognition of her work, and of all Venezuelans fighting with her against the Maduro regime.”
The McCain Institute has consistently called for “immediate action by the U.S. government to ensure the peaceful removal of Maduro.” This recognition of María Corina Machado’s tireless and brave fight should renew those efforts to peacefully remove the dictator of Venezuela.