The Crisis of Polarization

In her address, Ardern emphasized the need for politicians to move away from binary thinking, which she believes is contributing to societal polarization. She stated:

“We have a responsibility not to engage in binary thinking, not to engage in the language of violence, [but] to rebuild trust by building financial security in a time of deep insecurity.”

Understanding Global Insecurity

Ardern outlined how the forces of globalization have led to growing insecurity in societies worldwide. Referring to reactions such as Brexit, she noted how political actors often provide scapegoats for this unease, leading to the rise of divisive figures like Donald Trump.

The Impact of Social Media

During the event, Ardern remarked on the significant role social media plays in shaping public discourse. She pointed out that social media platforms have made it increasingly challenging for individuals to alter their views.

“Your opinions are recorded and held in time, and when so much of a healthy democracy is your ability to have debate and shift your views based on new evidence … that environment makes it more difficult,”

she explained.

The Need for Empathy in Political Leadership

Reflecting on her journey in politics, which began in 2008 when she was the youngest member of parliament in New Zealand and a pioneer in social media use, Ardern described her growing awareness of the potential for information manipulation online.
She stated that the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019 were a turning point for her perception of social media’s darker capacities, linking it to radicalization and the incitement of violence.

Ardern underscored the important attributes of empathy and humility in political leadership, suggesting that they could help mitigate current challenges.

“What empathy brings to politics is a thing that we’re missing now. It brings humility, it brings curiosity,”

she noted.

A Call for Change

As she concluded her remarks, Ardern reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of mistrust in politics rather than exacerbating it. She asserted that leaders not only need to recognize their responsibility in shaping the tone of public dialogue but also to foster an environment conducive to constructive discourse.

“We’ve not just a crisis of trust; we have a crisis of leadership,”

Ardern claimed, urging politicians to reassess their approaches.