Atlantic Council honors leaders, athletes and artists at UN-side gala in New York

The Atlantic Council staged its annual Global Citizen Awards on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, gathering more than 800 guests in a New York hotel. Recipients spanned politics, sport and entertainment, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was commended for strengthening Indo-Pacific alliances, and the Finnish prime minister who shared the stage with Formula One chief Stefano Domenicali.

Hollywood star Keanu Reeves introduced Domenicali, while Oscar-nominated performer Cynthia Erivo received recognition for her artistic work and human-rights advocacy. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape introduced Albanese, recalling a joint trek on the Kokoda Trail, and former Australian leaders and business figures such as Henry Paulson and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla were also present. Finnish President Alexander Stubb was honored for his NATO-building efforts, underscoring the event’s focus on global diplomacy and cultural influence.