SYDNEY, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will join Australia's University of Sydney as a Professor of Practice from October 2026, focusing on leadership, social cohesion, civic trust and global health challenges.
Based in the university's School of Public Health, Ardern will work with students and researchers through guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring. She will also collaborate with the Sydney Policy Lab and the office of the vice-chancellor on initiatives across the university. The position is not a full-time teaching role, according to a university statement released on Tuesday.
Ardern said she had become especially focused on leadership since leaving office and on how to better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle global challenges.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President Mark Scott said that Ardern's contribution would enrich the university's work in public health and public policy.
Ardern served as New Zealand's 40th prime minister from 2017 to 2023, leading the country through the Christchurch terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. ■
