Jacinda Ardern has been appointed a professor of practice at the University of Sydney, taking on a role focused on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust.
The former New Zealand prime minister will work with students, researchers and the wider community through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring. The position, which begins this month, is not a full-time teaching role.
Ardern will join the university’s faculty of medicine and health and work closely with the Sydney Policy Lab and the vice-chancellor’s office. Her work will include developing approaches to global and values-based leadership, as well as examining global health challenges involving equity, inclusion and wellbeing.
The appointment provides an answer to speculation about Ardern’s activities in Australia since she bought a $5.3 million home on Sydney’s northern beaches.
“I’ve found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office – and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges,” Ardern said.
She added that she was looking forward to working with students and the university to share her experience and develop ways to better serve communities and address complex issues.
Ardern became New Zealand’s prime minister in 2017 at the age of 37 and led the country through the Christchurch terrorist attacks, the Whakaari volcanic eruption and the Covid-19 pandemic. She was internationally recognised for a style of leadership that emphasised empathy and kindness before stepping down in 2023.
Since leaving office, she has held fellowship roles at Harvard University and the University of Oxford. She has also continued work on tackling violent extremism and terrorism online, along with developing safe, people-centred artificial intelligence.
Professor Mark Scott, the University of Sydney’s vice-chancellor, said Ardern’s experience would strengthen the institution’s work in public health and public policy.
“Dame Jacinda led New Zealand through events of profound consequence and her leadership demonstrated that empathy and resolve do not compete with one another; each can strengthen the other,” he said.
“The opportunity to learn from Dame Jacinda is exceptional. They will meet not only a former prime minister, but a thoughtful teacher with a great deal to share about public leadership and service.”
