Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been announced as a fellow at Harvard University. The news was confirmed on Monday, April 24, 2023, by the Harvard Kennedy School, which described Ardern as “one of the world’s most respected leaders.”
Ardern will take up a position as a fellow at the Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, where she will participate in various activities related to public policy and governance. The fellowship is expected to last for a period of one year.
Jacinda Ardern’s Career and Achievements
Jacinda Ardern is a well-known figure in New Zealand politics, having served as the country’s prime minister from 2017 to 2023. She is widely regarded as a progressive leader who championed a range of social and environmental issues during her time in office.
One of Ardern’s most notable achievements was the passing of the Zero Carbon Act in 2019, which committed New Zealand to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. She also introduced a range of policies aimed at improving child welfare and reducing poverty.
Ardern’s Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Read More: Jacinda Ardern replaced by Chris Hipkins as New Zealand PM
Ardern’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic received widespread praise both at home and abroad. New Zealand’s response to the pandemic was widely regarded as one of the most successful in the world, with the country recording very low rates of infection and mortality.
Ardern’s leadership style, which emphasized empathy and communication, was widely credited with helping to keep New Zealanders informed and motivated during the pandemic. She also took a number of decisive actions to control the spread of the virus, including closing the country’s borders early and implementing a strict lockdown.
Ardern’s Appointment at Harvard
Ardern’s appointment at Harvard has been widely welcomed both in New Zealand and internationally. The fellowship is seen as a recognition of her achievements as a leader and her commitment to public service.
In a statement, Ardern said that she was “honored and humbled” to be joining Harvard and looked forward to engaging with the students and faculty at the Kennedy School. She also expressed her hope that the fellowship would provide an opportunity to further develop her skills as a leader and advocate for social and environmental issues.