Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to travel to New York City later this month to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he will also be recognized with one of the Atlantic Council's 2026 Global Citizen Awards. The ceremony is set to take place on September 23.
The Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank founded in 1961, presents its Global Citizen Awards annually to individuals demonstrating leadership in business, culture, innovation, and global affairs. The council cited Albanese's role in strengthening Australia's alliances and partnerships and advancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as reasons for the honor. "His leadership has reinforced Australia's global engagement and deepened its role in shaping a more secure, stable and connected region," the council stated.
Albanese will share the award with actress Cynthia Erivo, known for her roles in "Wicked," and Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali. Erivo was recognized for using her platform to champion representation and connect with audiences globally through her work in stage and screen. Domenicali was credited with expanding Formula 1's global footprint and using the sport to connect cultures. The council noted that under his leadership, Formula 1 has connected new audiences and cultures, demonstrating the power of sport to inspire and unite.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb is the fourth recipient of this year's award. The Global Citizen Awards ceremony is a prominent event held annually during UN General Assembly week in New York, attracting global leaders, diplomats, business executives, philanthropists, and cultural figures. The awards aim to recognize individuals who exhibit distinguished leadership in addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.
Past recipients of the Global Citizen Awards include French President Emmanuel Macron, Argentine President Javier Milei, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
Albanese's trip to the U.S. for the UN General Assembly and the awards event is understood to be funded by Australian taxpayers. Communications Minister Anika Wells, who faced criticism for previous travel expenses related to a UN summit, will not be attending this year's event.