Source : Perth Now news
The Finnish prime minister, the head of Formula One, an Oscar-nominated actress and Anthony Albanese walk into a New York hotel.
The unlikely quad sounds like the set up to a joke and may not have much in common, except for one thing: they were all given awards by the Atlantic Council.
Held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in front of more than 800 guests, the think tank’s annual Global Citizen Awards aim to recognise people who gave made contributions on the world stage.
Mr Albanese was recognised for his role in strengthening alliances and security in the Indo-Pacific.
“It’s not been unnoticed in Australia that an Australian is getting an Atlantic Council award, given we front the Pacific, the Indian, the Coral Sea and the Southern Ocean but not the Atlantic,” he told the crowd.
“I accept it with humility on behalf of Australia, because it is the honour of my life to serve Australians.”
Seated alongside the prime minister at the black-tie function was Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, who introduced Mr Albanese as a “fair dinkum Aussie” and a close friend to the stage.
Mr Marape told the gathered guests about the time the two leaders walked the Kokoda Trail, which strengthened bonds between the two countries.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd was also in attendance and on the prime minister’s table, as was former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and the chief executive of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Albert Bourla.
For a night focused on foreign policy and strengthening diplomatic ties, there was also Hollywood star power in the room.
The Matrix star Keanu Reeves was on stage introducing Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali to receive an award from the council.
Reeves, who is a keen motor racing fan, made noises imitating a Formula One car in his introductory speech.
Oscar nominee and star of Wicked Cynthia Erivo was also an honouree, recognised for her artistic achievements and human rights work.
Though the Tony winner did not sing for the audience, she said music and acting had a profound impact on people.
“Artists are often told that we are not saving the world or saving a life,” she said.
“What I’ve really grown to understand is that art can be a lifesaver.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb was also recognised for his work in strengthening NATO in an age of global tensions.
“I know that America right now is a hot country, as President Trump says. I can tell you that Finland is even cooler,” he said.
