The message about the death of Kaci Kullmann Five was received with heartfelt grief by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. She was a member of the Nobel Committee from 2003, and was elected chair in 2015. It is difficult to fathom that the illness that returned and caused her to have to withdraw from last year’s Nobel Peace Prize events, has now taken its final toll. Kaci Kullmann Five contributed greatly to the Norwegian and Swedish Nobel organizations through her representation on a number of boards and will be sorely missed. As chair of the Nobel Committee she was engaged, inclusive and solution-oriented. She combined professionalism with humour and personal warmth. With the passing of Kaci Kullmann Five, the committee has lost a wise and unifying leader, a dear colleague and a good friend. Our thoughts go out to her husband Carsten O. Five, their children and grandchildren.

On behalf of the Norwegian Nobel Committee

Berit Reiss-Andersen, vice chair

Olav Njølstad, secretary