Gordon Brown may be trailing in the polls at home, but in the US last night he was hailed as a hero for "stabilising" the world economy and showing "compassionate leadership".

The prime minister, in New York for the UN general assembly, was honoured as world statesman of the year at a VIP-packed gala dinner. The award was presented on behalf of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an interfaith organisation which campaigns for religious freedom and human rights, by the veteran US former secretary of state Henry Kissinger.

Rock star Bono, Queen Rania of Jordan, and the Israeli defence minister Ehud Barak were among the audience as Kissinger praised Brown for his "vision and dedication" in handling the world economic crisis.

"His leadership has been essential to our ability to overcome the moment of danger," said Kissinger. The award has been previously been given to French president Nicolas Sarkozy and to German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Brown heard he had been given the honour back in March during his visit to Washington DC to meet Barack Obama. The foundation praised Brown's "compassionate leadership in dealing with the challenging issues facing humanity, his commitment to freedom, human dignity and the environment, and for the major role he has played in helping to stabilise the world's financial system". Obama has praised Gordon integrity as the two men vowed to work together to tackle the "unprecedented" global recession.

Asked in March what advice he had for Brown about winning elections, Obama said that, whatever the problems faced, good policy would win out over time. He told Brown to continue showing integrity and to be sure that "every day you are waking up and making the very best decisions that you can, despite the fact that sometimes the cards in your hand are not very good and the options are narrow".

The foundation wields considerable power, thanks to its charismatic leader and founder Rabbi Arthur Schneier. Last year he persuaded Pope Benedict to visit a synagogue in New York.