NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 – The Atlantic Council announced today that its fifteenth annual Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards will honor President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb; Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese; President and CEO of Formula One (F1) Stefano Domenicali; and Emmy, Tony, and two-time Grammy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award-nominated actress, singer, author, and producer Cynthia Erivo.
The honorees will be recognized at an awards dinner on September 23, 2026, on the sidelines of United Nations (UN) General Assembly week in New York City. The event celebrates extraordinary individuals who embody global citizenship through their contributions to a better world. The audience will include more than 700 high government officials and business executives, alongside military, media, and civil society leaders.
“This year’s Global Citizen Awards will honor four extraordinary leaders – a European president, an Oceanic prime minister, a global sports leader, and dazzling performer – who reflect the highest standards of global citizenship,” said Frederick Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council. “President Alexander Stubb has been an enduring advocate for the transatlantic alliance, international cooperation, and a stronger and more secure Europe. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has embraced the challenges of the twenty-first century head-on with a vision for a more resilient and forward-looking Australia, building new strategic partnerships to advance prosperity while reinforcing the country’s international engagement and indispensable role as a democratic voice in the Pacific. Stefano Domenicali has transformed Formula One racing, uniting fans across borders and embodying the transformative power of sport. Finally, Cynthia Erivo has inspired audiences around the world through her art and her advocacy for human rights. By honoring them, we hope to inspire others.”
This year’s awards ceremony will recognize:
- President Alexander Stubb of Finland for his leadership in advancing European unity and strengthening Finland’s role in NATO.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, for his role in deepening Australia’s alliances and partnerships and promoting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
- Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of F1, president and CEO of Formula 1®, for transforming F1 into a global cultural force, expanding its reach across markets and borders, and inspiring a new generation of fans around the world.
- Cynthia Erivo, award-winning performer and producer, for her artistic excellence and commitment to human rights.
Introducers for the evening will include prominent global leaders, reflecting the unique personal and professional relationships of each honoree.
The evening will also mark the launch of the Atlantic Council’s new Power of Sports Center, building upon our global convening power and cross-regional expertise to create a flagship platform elevating sport as a driver of international cooperation, innovation, and economic growth.
Previous Global Citizen Award recipients include President of France Emmanuel Macron; President of Argentina Javier Milei; President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy; Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni; then-Managing Director of the IMF Christine Lagarde; Jordanian Queen Rania al Abdullah; former US Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and the late Henry Kissinger; Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai; Academy-Award winning actors Forest Whitaker and Robert De Niro; and world-renowned musicians Lang Lang, Wynton Marsalis, and Quincy Jones.
The Atlantic Council will broadcast the 2026 Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards live via YouTube.
To request accreditation or for additional details, please email press@atlanticcouncil.org . This event is on the record.
Follow @AtlanticCouncil and use #ACAwards and #GCA2026 for live updates throughout the evening.