Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai, two child welfare activists from Indian and Pakistan respectively, on Wednesday received the 2014 Nobel peace prize.
At an awarding ceremony held at the Oslo City Hall, Norwegian Nobel Committee Chairman Thorbjoern Jagland praised the two laureates for their concerted efforts and brave struggle in fighting child labour in India and promoting girl's right to education in Pakistan.
"A conscience exists in the world which extends beyond all national boundaries, and is independent of religion, culture and social adherence. It states that children have a right to childhood; they have a right to go to school instead of being forced to work. They are not to start life as the slaves of others," Jagland said.
The words of and deeds by Kailash and Malala are the best expression of this world conscience, said Jagland.
In their speeches, the two laureates called on the entire world to stand up for child rights and welfare and make the world a better place for children to grow up while telling their stories and sharing their thoughts with the audience.
There are currently 168 million child labourers in the world, according to Jagland's speech.
At today's ceremony a young man ran up to Malala and unfurled a Mexican national flag in front of the audience and press cameras.
The man, whose identity is not known yet, was quickly taken away and handed over to the police.
It was speculated that the man's action was related to the recent killing of school students.