María Corina Machado to receive Concordia 2026 Leadership Award

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been named the recipient of the Concordia 2026 Leadership Award in the Public Sector. The international organization announced the honor in recognition of her leadership of democratic forces in Venezuela and her efforts to promote institutional and economic transitions.

The award committee highlighted Machado’s significant political influence, noting her 92% victory in the 2023 opposition primaries and her leadership during the 2024 election campaign following her disqualification from running directly. The organization also referenced her previous recognition as a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her work in promoting democratic rights.

Machado is scheduled to receive the distinction during the Concordia Annual Summit, held from September 20 to 23 in New York City. The event coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and serves as a forum for collaboration between the public and private sectors.