Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will be attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC), a significant event in U.S. politics aimed at uniting the Democratic Party ahead of the upcoming presidential election in November.
Ardern confirmed she will be speaking at a panel during the convention later this week. The DNC, organised by the U.S. Democrats, will feature Kamala Harris formally accepting her nomination for the presidency. It will also provide a key moment for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ confirmed running mate, to address the party and the American public as they prepare to challenge former President Donald Trump and his Republican running mate James “JD” Vance.
The convention is scheduled to begin on Monday in Chicago and will run through Thursday. This major political event is expected to attract around 50,000 attendees and reach millions of Americans through widespread media coverage.
Ardern is set to speak at the DNC early Wednesday morning (NZ Time). She will be the first former New Zealand prime minister to speak at the convention, though her remarks will be part of a “global progress action” panel discussion titled “Healing the Nation,” rather than on the main stage. Hosted by the Center for American Progress Action, this panel will focus on “an equity agenda” for a Harris-led administration and the global fight for democracy.
The convention will include various breakout sessions and other events. Ardern will be joined by politicians from Germany, the U.S., and the Netherlands.
Since leaving Parliament, Ardern has taken on multiple roles, including positions at Harvard and on the board of the Earthshot Prize, a climate-focused charity founded by Prince William. In addition to her involvement with the Center for American Progress, Ardern has been mentoring progressive leaders and has launched a project called Field Leaders to promote “empathetic” global leadership. The project began with a cohort of 15 fellows in Europe and has recently expanded with the addition of former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as mentors.
“I believe in this project, just as I believe that politics can be different, and that it can be better,” Ardern said in a statement.
