It takes courage and strength to be empathetic.

Jacinda Ardern

In 2017, at the age of 37, Jacinda Ardern became one of the youngest prime ministers in the history of New Zealand. A year later she made international history by bringing her three-month-old daughter to the United Nations General Assembly so she could continue to breastfeed through the trip. An outspoken feminist, Ardern is known for her charisma and optimism. One of her first actions in office was to make the reduction of child poverty a top priority. Though her term in office has been defined by the global pandemic and economic downturn, she continues to stand as a beacon of hope and empathy, fighting for human rights both at home and abroad.