Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Joins Conservation International as Arnhold Distinguished Fellow

In a two-year part-time role, Ardern will strategize with Conservation International on international climate action, focusing particularly on issues affecting the Pacific and Antarctica.

• Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has joined Conservation International as its sixth Arnhold Distinguished Fellow, a part-time role with a two-year term and a focus on advocating for international climate action, especially concerning the Pacific and Antarctica.
• The appointment is one of several new roles for Ardern after she unexpectedly stepped down as Prime Minister in January, including completing dual fellowships at Harvard University’s Kennedy School and writing a book on leadership.
• During her time in New Zealand Parliament, Ardern consistently advocated for global climate action, a passion which she says has increased over the years due to witnessing the direct impact of climate change in the Pacific region.
• In 2020, under Ardern's leadership, New Zealand's government joined other nations in symbolically declaring a climate emergency to acknowledge the burden faced by the next generation; however, this declaration did not come with any new statutory powers or funding.
• Ardern's contributions to environmental conservation also include bans on new exploration for offshore oil and gas, and on plastic shopping bags.

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