Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accepted the Global Citizen Award at a star-studded dinner in New York City after Aussies vented their frustration he was receiving the prestigious honour.

Presented by the Atlantic Council on Wednesday night, the award recognised Albanese’s efforts to strengthen Australia’s international alliances, advance the AUKUS security partnership, and promote stability and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

During his acceptance speech, Albanese warned that the assumptions underpinning the post-Cold War world were rapidly unravelling, arguing that the international order established after World War II was struggling to meet modern challenges.

‘Since the end of the Cold War, the prevailing assumptions of international affairs were clear: openness was security; efficiency mattered more than resilience; and international rules would be observed as a matter of course,’ he said.

‘Both those expectations are now being tested. The post-1945 world order is no longer fit for purpose. Universal institutions that remain necessary are now not always sufficient for the challenges we face.’

Albanese said growing geopolitical tensions and global instability had exposed the limits of institutions built for a different era, underscoring the need for stronger partnerships and greater resilience.

The award ceremony came just days after an awkward exchange at the start of Albanese’s New York visit.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday night ahead of the event, Albanese was challenged by The Nightly’s journalist-at-large Latika Bourke.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accepted the Global Citizen Award at a star-studded dinner in New York City after Aussies vented their frustration he was receiving the prestigious honour

During his acceptance speech, Albanese warned that the assumptions underpinning the post-Cold War world were rapidly unravelling, arguing that the international order established after World War II was struggling to meet modern challenges (pictured, Albanese with Papua New Guinea Prime minister James Marape)

She questioned whether he deserved an international leadership award at a time when his domestic standing had come under pressure following a recent Newspoll that showed the lowest level of support for Labor in nearly 15 years.

‘Prime Minister, here in New York on Wednesday night, you will receive an award for being a global citizen,’ Bourke said.

‘Don’t you feel like a bit of a fraud accepting this award when at home you’ve screwed up the response to the worst massacre since Port Arthur, Labor is one point shy of where it was under Julia Gillard when you rolled her, and your net approval ratings are worse than Scott Morrison’s?’

Albanese paused before delivering a one-word response.

‘No,’ he replied, before the press conference moved on to another question.

Aussies were quick to back the reporter, praising Bourke for putting the question to Albanese.

‘He is the worst and most dangerous PM in the history of Australia. He has no idea how hated he is,’ one wrote.

‘A great and reasonable question Latika. The PM could have taken the opportunity to answer in a manner befitting his position, yet he arrogantly ignored it,’ a second added. 

Other 2026 recipients included Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Wicked actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, and Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

Albanese said growing geopolitical tensions and global instability had exposed the limits of institutions built for a different era

Albanese (centre) sitting with James Marape (right) and Kevin Rudd (left) at the dinner 

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd was spotted at the dinner seated alongside Albanese, while actor Keanu Reeves introduced Domenicali before his award presentation.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Albanese’s leadership and highlight Australia’s importance to the Pacific, describing the Prime Minister as both a trusted partner and a friend.

‘It is our privilege tonight to introduce not only the Prime Minister of Australia, but someone I am proud to call a friend,’ Marape said.

‘The Honourable Anthony Albanese, or Albo, as he is known to many. To those who are his friends, he is a fair dinkum Australian.’

Marape said Australia played a unique role in the region because of its economic strength and international influence, giving it a powerful voice across the Pacific and on the world stage.

‘For those of us from the island nations of the Pacific, Australia is a special nation,’ he said.

‘Its economic strength and international influence give it an important voice across our region and on the global stage.’

He said he and Albanese had worked closely together on issues including security, economic development and climate change.

‘My brother, the Prime Minister, understands the responsibility that comes with that,’ Marape said.