Dame Jacinda Ardern has delivered an address at Yale University in the US, telling students their humility and sensitivity are what the world needs more of in this time of “crisis and chaos”.
Ardern, the former prime minister of New Zealand who currently lives in the US, warned against isolationism and reminded students of their connection to the wider world.
“To be outwardly looking is not unpatriotic,” she said.
“To seek solutions to global problems is not a zero sum game where your nation loses, that upholding a rules based order is not nostalgic or of another era, and crucially, that in this time of crisis and chaos, leading with empathy is a strength.
“There are some who say that empathy is some kind of threat to Western civilisation. There is much I could say to that claim.
“Instead, I will just say this: empathy has never started a war, never sought to take the dignity of others, and empathy teaches you that power is interchangeable with another word: responsibility.”
Ardern explained when preparing for the speech, she felt like the usual pep talk of “we need you and don’t doubt yourself” didn’t feel like enough to offer the students.
“When the world, over the course of a few short months, moved from tumultuous to an all out dumpster fire, telling you that you should be bold and brave as you move into the world didn’t feel like enough,” she said.
“There’s the war in the Middle East and Europe, with both leaving questions over our sense of humanity, the daily reminder of climate change that bangs on our door but falls on deaf ears at the highest echelons of power, challenges to rules around trade increases and migration flows and a decreasing regard for civil rights and human rights, including the right to be who you are.”
“We’re living in a time where the small are made to feel smaller, and those with power loom large in the midst of that.
“Why should you listen to platitudes about self confidence, stepping into the unknown and leading through doubt and fear from someone who comes from the bottom of the world? Fair question. And my answer? Because it’s not just about you, it’s about us.”
The power of humility and sensitivity
Ardern said she has always suffered from imposter syndrome and urged students to look at their own perceived weaknesses in a new light.
“All of those traits that you might have believed your whole life were weaknesses…the doubt that brings humility or sensitivity that comes with empathy, may just be what the world needs more of,” she said.
“What you may not know is the thing that has you questioning yourself, the self doubt and the sensitivity that so often comes with it, the traits that you have tried to hide or shake off might have a power of their own.
“Self doubt brings with it humility, the humility to know that when a challenge presents itself, you need to understand the problem to the best of your ability. It drives you to seek information, to listen to experts who can teach you and advisers who can guide you.”
‘We are connected’
While only a visitor to the US, Ardern said she has watched as the nation grapples with an identity crisis.
“One observation is that through time, this nation has been pushed and pulled between a sense of obligation to one’s own country and to the world it is part of,” she said.
“But each time there is a crisis, a war, infectious disease that grips us, or climate change, we are reminded that these two things are not, in fact, a trade off. They are linked.
“You cannot remain untouched by the impacts of infectious disease. A trade standoff can never just hurt your competitors. A warming planet does not produce extreme weather that respects borders and far flung wars may not take the lives of your citizens but it will take away their sense of security and humanity. We are connected. We always have been.”
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