[1] The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals globally for their work supporting peace, "making the world a more just, safer and less violent place.
[3][4] The coordination of it shifted to Mount Royal University in 2016 during the creation of the John de Chastelain Peace Initiative.
[6] As of 2019, Mark Ayyash, who serves as the director of the Initiative, oversees the prize.
[3] The award is given only to someone with a who has made a lifelong commitment to peace.
[3] The winner is selected by a six-person committee of people from Calgary.