Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to receive a high-profile international award in New York, joining a list of honourees that includes Wicked star Cynthia Erivo and Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
Albanese will head to the United States later this month for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to once again highlight Australia’s social media ban on the global stage.
While in New York, he will be recognised as one of four recipients of the Atlantic Council’s 2026 Global Citizen Awards, with the ceremony scheduled for September 23.
The Prime Minister’s visit, centred on his UN commitments but also taking in the awards event, is understood to be funded by taxpayers.
Communications Minister Anika Wells will not attend, after previously facing criticism for billing taxpayers $94,828.75 in flights for herself and two staff members to travel to the summit in 2025.
The Daily Mail has contacted Albanese’s office for comment.
The Atlantic Council is a Washington-based think tank founded in 1961, and its awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated leadership in business, culture, innovation and global affairs.
Announcing this year’s recipients, the council praised Albanese’s role in strengthening Australia’s position in the Indo-Pacific.
Anthony Albanese is set to travel to New York City to attend the UN General Assembly
Albanese will receive a Global Citizen Award alongside Wicked star Cynthia Erivo
‘Anthony Albanese has played a leading role in strengthening Australia’s alliances and partnerships and advancing security and stability across the Indo-Pacific,’ the council said.
‘His leadership has reinforced Australia’s global engagement and deepened its role in shaping a more secure, stable and connected region.’
Albanese will receive the honour alongside Erivo, who starred in the blockbuster Hollywood adaptation of the musical Wicked with star Ariana Grande.
The council said Erivo had used her platform to champion representation and connect with audiences around the world.
‘An acclaimed actress, singer and producer, Cynthia Erivo has brought unforgettable stories and characters to audiences around the world, using her extraordinary voice and artistry to connect, inspire and challenge us to see the world differently,’ it said.
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‘Through her work across stage and screen, she has expanded the reach of powerful stories and championed greater representation in global culture.’
Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali will also be honoured at the event.
The council credited Domenicali with expanding the sport’s global footprint and using it as a vehicle to connect cultures and audiences.
‘Stefano Domenicali has helped champion a global platform that transcends borders, bringing together sport, luxury, entertainment, film and culture while driving innovation and advancing a more sustainable future,’ the council said.
Erivo is pictured with Ariana Grande at the Wicked: For Good premiere in November 2025
‘Under his leadership, Formula 1 has expanded its global reach, connected new audiences and cultures, and demonstrated the power of sport to inspire and bring people together.’
Finnish President Alexander Stubb rounds out this year’s list of recipients.
The Global Citizen Awards are regarded as one of the council’s flagship events and are held annually during UN General Assembly week in New York.
The ceremony attracts heads of government, diplomats, business executives, philanthropists and celebrities from around the world.
The Atlantic Council describes the awards as recognising people who exhibit ‘distinguished leadership’ in addressing global challenges and advancing international cooperation.
‘This special evening underscores the Atlantic Council’s critical mission to shape the global future together, while recognising the accomplishments of key global citizens seeking to improve the state of the world,’ the organisation says.
Past recipients underscore the event’s high-profile status.
Last year’s honourees included French President Emmanuel Macron, Argentine President Javier Milei and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Other previous recipients include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and former South Korean president Moon Jae-in.