Anthony Albanese says Australia is in a "pretty strong" position in its bid to join the UN Security Council, with Finland the only other nominee for the two non-permanent seats.
The council has faced criticism about its ability to handle global crises, in part because Russia and China both have veto rights.
A secret ballot will take place in mid-2028, and Australia will need a two-thirds majority of UN General Assembly members to succeed.
Anthony Albanese plans to trade on Australia's good name and international reputation when he officially launches the campaign for a two-year term on the powerful United Nations Security Council.
Declaring Australia is "in a pretty strong position" to nab one of the two spots available, the prime minister will release the campaign video, brochure and logo — featuring the kangaroo — in New York on Monday, where dozens of world leaders are gathering for this year's UN General Assembly.
"Australia played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Nations — because we have always understood how important it is for small and mid-sized nations to have their voices heard on the challenges facing our world," he said in a statement.
"Our vision is simple: We listen with respect, we partner as equals, and we protect what matters most."
Campaigning under the banner, "We listen. We partner. We protect", Australia plans to leverage its position as a first mover when it comes to online safety and tech regulation, as well as its leadership on climate change, as this year's COP31 president of negotiations.
So far, only Australia and Finland have nominated for the two non-permanent positions on the 15-member council from 2029.
A secret ballot will take place in mid-2028 and, to succeed, a country must secure a two-thirds majority of UN General Assembly members, or at least 128 votes if all 193 members vote.
"We're in a pretty strong position. We're well regarded around the world," Mr Albanese told Insiders on Sunday.
Australia last held a non-permanent spot in 2014 and used the position to push for an international inquiry into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in which 298 passengers and crew were killed, including 38 Australians.
The UNSC is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and seeks to mediate disputes using peaceful methods.
But it persistently faces criticism of its ability to handle global crises, because Russia and China both have veto rights along with the other permanent members.
Mr Albanese said it was an institution in need of reform and needs to be made more effective.
But with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and rising strategic competition, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said having a seat at the table would give Australia the chance to advocate for a world governed by rules, not by force.
"A safer world is one governed by rules, not power and force alone. Australia's vision is a world where all countries have the freedom to decide their own future," Senator Wong said in a statement.
"There's a need for middle powers such as Australia to exercise the influence that we have."