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

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has joined the University of Sydney, where she will deliver lectures and mentor students on “compassionate leadership.” The university announced that the 46-year-old Ardern would take up the position this month. In a statement released on Tuesday, the university clarified that the role would not be a full-time teaching position. Ardern moved to Sydney earlier this year with her husband, Clarke Gayford, and their daughter, Neve. The family purchased a property in the city’s Northern Beaches area.

Ardern became New Zealand’s 40th prime minister in 2017 at the age of 37 and served until January 2023. During her tenure, she led the country through several major crises, including the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, the deadly Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her handling of the pandemic earned her international recognition. However, restrictions and economic pressures contributed significantly to a decline in domestic support toward the end of her time in office. She announced her resignation in January 2023.

Focus on Compassionate Leadership and Public Health

The University of Sydney said Ardern’s work would focus on developing new approaches to compassionate leadership and global, values-based leadership. Her role will also involve exploring innovative ways to address global public health challenges, with an emphasis on equity, inclusion and well-being, as well as promoting social cohesion and public trust. Based within the university’s School of Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Ardern will work with the Sydney Policy Lab and collaborate with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor on university-wide initiatives. Her responsibilities will include guest lectures, master classes and mentoring.

Following her appointment, Ardern said:                                   

“I’m delighted to be joining the University of Sydney. Since leaving office, I’ve found myself particularly focused on the question of leadership: how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to address the many global challenges we face. “I look forward to working with the university’s outstanding students, faculty and wider community as we share experiences and explore ways to better serve our communities and help address the challenges facing so many people today.”

University Welcomes Ardern’s Approach to Public Service

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President Mark Scott welcomed Ardern’s appointment and praised her approach to public service.

He said:

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Dame Jacinda Ardern to the University of Sydney. I have long admired the courage and humanity she has brought to public life. “For our students, the opportunity to learn from Dame Jacinda is extraordinary. They will not only have the chance to meet a former prime minister but also to learn from a thoughtful educator with a great deal to share about public leadership and service. “Her contribution will enrich our work in public health, public policy and across the university.” After leaving politics, Ardern undertook a fellowship at Harvard University. In 2024, she joined the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford as a distinguished fellow. She also founded Field, a fellowship program focused on compassionate leadership, and continues to work on issues related to online extremism and artificial intelligence.