Dame Jacinda Ardern is a globally recognised leader known for redefining what it means to govern with compassion, strength, and purpose. Elected as New Zealand's 40th Prime Minister at just 37, she became the world's youngest female head of government at the time, serving from 2017 to 2023. Her leadership during times of extraordinary adversity-ranging from the Christchurch mosque attacks and the White Island volcanic eruption to the COVID-19 pandemic-was marked by empathy, clarity, and courageous decision-making.
Ardern's progressive policy achievements include banning military-style semi-automatic weapons, launching the global Christchurch Call to eliminate violent extremism online, and leading one of the world's most effective pandemic responses. A fierce advocate for equality, she championed women's rights by achieving gender parity in parliament and on government boards, decriminalised abortion, improved pay equity laws, and extended paid parental leave.
Now a Senior Fellow at Harvard University, she focuses on platform accountability and the regulation of extremist content online through her fellowships at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Law School. Ardern also sits on the board of The Earthshot Prize and serves as a Distinguished Fellow with Conservation International, advocating for bold climate solutions.
Her bestselling memoir A Different Kind of Power offers a deeply personal reflection on her leadership journey and the values that shaped it-empathy, pragmatism, and a fierce commitment to making a difference. With unmatched authenticity, Ardern continues to inspire leaders and organisations worldwide to lead with integrity, kindness, and impact.
