Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Oxford.
Ardern was one of nine distinguished recipients to receive the honour this year. The degrees were presented at the university’s annual Encaenia ceremony, held at the historic Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England. Dame Jacinda was the only New Zealander and the only politician on this year’s list.
The Encaenia ceremony is a long-standing Oxford tradition that recognises outstanding individuals and commemorates the university’s benefactors. Honorary degrees were awarded to people whose achievements across fields including art, culture, politics, science and sport had made an extraordinary impact on the world. Dame Jacinda praised her connection with Oxford, saying her work with the Blavatnik School of Government and the World Leaders Circle had supported her focus on empathetic leadership. She described the occasion as “really humbling”, and noted how meaningful it was to attend just months after Oxford had awarded a posthumous degree to Māori scholar Mākereti Papakura at the same venue.
Due to an extreme heatwave sweeping across Europe and the United Kingdom, the university relaxed its usual dress requirements for the ceremony. Guests were encouraged to dress comfortably, and jackets, gowns and additional layers were made optional even for those taking part in formal processions. The university stated that the changes were made in light of the severe heat conditions affecting the region.
The honorary degree was the latest in a series of honours for Dame Jacinda since she resigned as Prime Minister in early 2023, the same year she was appointed a dame. Now 45 years old, she lives in Australia with her family.
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