Honorees embody “global leadership, humanitarianism, and artistic virtuosity”

The Atlantic Council will present the annual Global Citizen Awards on September 26 in New York City to President of the Republic of Poland Bronisław Komorowski, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and world-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa.


“These awards highlight the Council’s global mission while embodying the spirit of global citizenship during challenging times,” said Atlantic Council President & CEO Frederick Kempe. “We look forward to recognizing these individuals who have set examples that define global leadership, humanitarianism, and artistic virtuosity.”  

President of the Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski will receive an award for his leadership that has not only touched Poland, but also the European Union, its Eastern neighborhood, and the international community. From his tireless fight against Communism to strengthening Poland’s growing economy, he has become a beacon of democracy and economic achievement throughout Europe. Former US National Security Advisor and Atlantic Council International Advisory Board Member Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski will present this award.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah will be recognized with a Global Citizen Award for her impressive humanitarian leadership and efforts that have helped bring about positive change around the world. Through her role as a member of the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda and her advocacy for global education and the empowerment of women, Queen Rania raises awareness about violence against children and works toward bridging cultural and religious divides—at a time when this is most needed.

World-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa will be honored for his inspirational and historic contributions to the arts, ranging from his leadership as the longest-serving conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (1973-2002) to his ongoing advocacy for 20th century classical music. He has particularly focused on education and in 2005 founded the Seiji Ozawa International Academy Switzerland, among other initiatives.

Each year in New York City, the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Awards dinner convenes an influential audience of global government, business, military, media, and civil society leaders to honor outstanding examples of global leadership and citizenship. Previous awardees have included Nobel Peace Prize laureates Henry Kissinger and Aung San Suu Kyi; IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde; US Secretary of State John Kerry; Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri (posthumously); renowned musician and producer Quincy Jones; and World Economic Forum Founder Klaus Schwab.