Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Joins the University of Sydney as Faculty Member

In a new chapter of her post-political career, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has officially joined the University of Sydney as a part-time faculty member.

According to university authorities, Ardern will be working with the School of Public Health under the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Her role will involve delivering lectures, leading specialized workshops, and mentoring students and researchers. Her core focus areas will include empathetic leadership, social cohesion, civic trust, and inclusive global health systems. Additionally, she will actively collaborate with the university's policy labs and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott warmly welcomed Ardern to the campus, praising her courage and humanitarian leadership which have long been celebrated globally. Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Ardern noted that since stepping down from politics, she has dedicated her work to leadership development and navigating global crises. She looks forward to sharing her experiences with the academic community to contribute positively to society.

Ardern made history in 2017 when she became New Zealand's 40th Prime Minister at the age of 37, serving until 2023. She gained widespread international acclaim for her compassionate and decisive handling of major crises, including the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her departure from politics, she held affiliations with prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Oxford universities before relocating to Australia with her family earlier this year.