Former PM Talk

Students joined Sixth Formers from across London for the UK schools’ launch of Jacinda Ardern’s memoir, A Different Kind of Power.

Over 500 Sixth Formers from 21 schools were invited to hear from The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, in conversation with Wimbledon High alumna and broadcaster, Afua Hirsch. A group of our Sixth Formers joined the Wimbledon Bookfest event which took place at sister GDST school, Wimbledon High. Head Girl Molly shares her perspective on the talk.

“The former Prime Minister of New Zealand provided fascinating insights into her attitudes to leadership and reasons to keep hope when the global political situation seems increasingly dire. Ardern spoke engagingly on her response to challenges such as New Zealand’s colonial history and the aftermath of the horrific Christchurch terrorist attacks. She then answered questions from students on topics from her thoughts on the current world order, to how she felt the issue of youth mental health crisis should be dealt with. In a world where anger, hatred and pride seem to characterise politics, it was so inspiring to be reminded of the political viability and importance of optimism, humility and empathy.”