Australia has formally launched its campaign for a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese using a major foreign policy speech in New York to outline Australia's approach to a changing international environment.

Speaking during his visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, Albanese said Australia would seek to play an active role in shaping international rules and institutions. He argued that global institutions established after the Second World War need to adapt to current challenges and said Australia should work with other countries to strengthen international cooperation.

The Security Council is the United Nations body responsible for dealing with major international peace and security issues. Australia is seeking election to one of the non-permanent seats, which are held for two-year terms. The campaign forms part of Australia's broader diplomatic engagement with countries across the Indo-Pacific and other regions.

During the visit, Albanese also signed a new bilateral security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The agreement establishes a framework for longer-term cooperation between Australia and Ukraine in defence and security.

Under the agreement, Australia will provide additional support for Ukraine's defence efforts. The government announced $60 million in funding to assist Ukraine as it continues its war with Russia. The framework also includes cooperation involving military training, rebuilding Ukrainian military facilities and examining opportunities for joint manufacturing of defence equipment.

Australia has provided substantial assistance to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The federal government says Australia's support has included financial assistance, military equipment, humanitarian assistance and other forms of support.

The new agreement extends the bilateral relationship beyond individual packages of assistance by establishing a longer-term framework for security cooperation. Further details of specific projects and cooperation arrangements are expected to be developed through discussions between the two countries.

In his foreign policy address, Albanese also discussed Australia's relationships with the United States and China. He said the Indo-Pacific should not be treated as an area where major powers simply compete for influence without regard to the interests of smaller and middle-sized countries.

Australia maintains a close security relationship with the United States while also having significant economic ties with China. The government has said Australia's foreign policy needs to protect national interests while supporting regional stability and international rules.

The Prime Minister's comments come at a time when Australia is seeking a greater role in international diplomacy. The Security Council campaign provides an opportunity for the government to present Australia's positions on international security, development and cooperation to other UN member states.

Australia's bid will ultimately depend on the vote of UN member states. The government is expected to continue diplomatic engagement as it seeks support for its campaign.

The Ukraine agreement and Security Council campaign were announced during Albanese's New York visit on 24 September 2026. The developments represent separate elements of Australia's current foreign-policy agenda: seeking a role in the United Nations system while strengthening bilateral security cooperation with Ukraine.