Jacinda Ardern represents a new breed of political leadership that has many wishing she would replace their own heads of state – not merely for her youthful approach to leadership but also astute governance while navigating multiple crises with unmatched aplomb. Whether it’s a mass shooting, volcanic eruption or global pandemic, Ardern’s unique style of leadership features equal parts of empathy and intellect, rendering her an influential and unifying force in a world that’s accustomed to politicians tearing one another apart.
BACKGROUND
DATE OF BIRTH
26 July 1980
BIRTHPLACE
Hamilton (New Zealand)
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Communication Studies in
Politics from the University of Waikato
HIGHLIGHTS
Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party
New Zealand’s youngest leader in decades
Leadership following the Christchurch mosque shootings
Exemplary response to the COVID-19 pandemic
QUOTE
You can carve your own path, be your own kind of leader we do need to create a new generation of leadership
Jacinda Ardern
Q: In your opinion, what makes Jacinda Ardern a front-runner in political leadership?
A: Ardern made an impact internationally after the bombing of a mosque in Christchurch last year. Without any hesitation, she referred to the bombing as an act of terrorism.
Moreover, she empathised with the Muslim community and shared their pain. She had her head covered, respecting the culture of the community as she hugged the women. They were all her people regardless of caste, creed or religion. And for the safety of her people, she took immediate steps with regard to gun control.
Furthermore, she spoke against racial discrimination, violence and extremism, and appealed to world leaders to end extremism.
Q: What particular lessons can be learned from her career?
A: Ardern strongly believes in the oneness of her people. She reflected this in the aftermath of the mosque bombing.
New Zealand was hailed as one of the foremost countries for its prompt response to COVID-19. Ardern took immediate steps to close airports and some days later, introduced a strict lockdown. Moreover, she spoke regularly to her people, thereby garnering their support.
Ardern is strong in her values and convictions, and this was witnessed in her action against a minister who broke the nation’s lockdown regulations. In addition, New Zealand’s premier hasn’t hesitated to call out what she perceived as irresponsible behaviour by other world leaders.
Q: How can Sri Lankans in the same field be as revolutionary?
A: Sri Lankan leaders need to embrace and treat all their people as one – i.e. without discrimination. They should by word and deed discourage and indeed, try to eliminate extremism and discrimination between communities – whether based on race, religion, caste or political affiliation.
All persons deserve to be treated with respect, and be entitled to justice and a life of dignity. And following any disaster – be it man-made or natural – leaders should communicate regularly with their people to provide them with relevant information, advice and support, rather than engage in a tirade of blame and anger.
Anushya Coomaraswamy
Former Group Finance Director
John Keells Holdings
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