The world is paying attention! Society aimed at by the young female prime minister September 26, 16:55

“In order for people to be relieved, no matter who they are from, where they come from, or where they live, it is natural that they can remain racist and bullying, and remain as they are.”

A powerful message issued at the United Nations General Assembly where leaders from each country meet once a year. The speaker was New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adarn (39). Many people may have remembered last year's first maternity leave as the current Prime Minister. After returning to work, it became a hot topic for both work and child-rearing with the cooperation of a partner man, and bringing daughters to domestic and overseas public affairs. Prime Minister Ardan is now attracting worldwide attention. Half a year ago, in response to the shootings of 51 Muslims in southern New Zealand, they appealed to the importance of a society that respects diversity and started to take measures to prevent recurrence. What kind of person is Prime Minister Ardern, who has a strong presence as a young leader who has a balance between work and child-rearing? I heard the belief from the Prime Minister before the United Nations General Assembly. (Sydney branch director Risa Komiya)

Shooting incidents that made the world seized

On March 15th, there was an incident that caused the world to become seized. In Christchurch, southern New Zealand, a Muslim worship was attacked by a man with radical thoughts and 51 people died.

The state of the incident was broadcast live on SNS = social media by a man, and then the copied video was spread around the world on SNS.

Indigenous Maori people, mainly Europeans, as well as immigrants and refugees from Asia and the Middle East, shake each other's religion and culture, and shake up the "multi-ethnic state" New Zealand that has formed society. It was the worst case ever.

“Everyone is human” even if religion or culture is different

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Ardan displayed strong leadership. Immediately set out to strengthen gun regulations, and launched measures one after another to prevent recurrence, such as urging governments and SNS operators to eliminate violent thoughts and videos posted on SNS.

Even more impressive was the actions of the prime minister immediately after the incident. Like Muslim women, she covered her head with a scarf, met with the bereaved family, promised freedom of faith, and called on the nation to unite across ethnic and religious differences.

"(Prime Minister Ardern) The incident was an attack on our country's Islamic society, but also an attack on New Zealand, because the Islamic society is part of New Zealand and our society. We need to go back to being all human. ''

New Zealand society showed solidarity to Islamic society, with many of the women attending in the same manner at a memorial rally held one week after the incident. It was.

Diversity produces unity

He explained that the reason behind Prime Minister Ardern's respect for diversity was that he was also born and raised in a Scottish immigrant family.

Europeans also remember that they were immigrants who also moved to the land of indigenous Maori people. The prime minister says that accepting diversity can strengthen social ties.

“(Prime Minister Ardan) The more we have the opportunity to unite as a diverse country, the more we can celebrate all the differences, and we realize that there is something in common with everyone. Is not perfect, but the more the communities can be united, the more opportunities for children to learn in a variety of environments and the creation of a cohesive society. ''

Prime Minister Ardern calls for social cohesion and one after another measures to prevent a recurrence. Emphasize that politicians have the responsibility to face all fronts and work together to solve any problem, rather than disrupting society.

“(Prime Minister Ardan) I think politicians are responsible for dealing with the public's anxiety. Politicians respond to people's demands, improve welfare, tackle issues such as inequality, climate change, etc. When we can work on the problem, we can deliver a message of hope, and we have to play a role in finding a solution to what people are worried and concerned about. "

Message to the world

These beliefs of Prime Minister Ardern can be seen from the speech of the UN General Assembly. After touching the shooting case in Christchurch, he appealed to the leaders of each country to confront discrimination and discrimination based on race and religion.

“(Prime Minister Ardan) We are asked to make judgments for our country, but the consequences will have an impact on the world, even when we face violence and discrimination. In a globalized world `` We are required to protect all people, not just our own people. ''

On top of that, he first called for the country leaders to change to accept each other.

“(Prime Minister Ardern) How about changing the meaning of“ us ”? How about creating a companion based on a concept, not intense nationalism or selfishness? How about seeing people in terms of values.We are essentially different, but have more in common.You may feel scared, but as a leader we hold the key to creating a sense of security and hope You just have to choose it. "

Joy of working for the country

Prime Minister Adarn, who became a world-renowned leader in his youth in his thirties, is now running several signature campaigns on the Internet to give the Nobel Peace Prize.

As of mid-September, the total number of supporters exceeds 100,000. When asked about this, the prime minister, who had responded strongly to the interview, smiled shy for a moment and replied:

"(Prime Minister Ardan) My behavior at that time was a reflection of the whole New Zealand people, not just me. It was a reflection of what was felt by all the New Zealanders around me at the time. I just don't deserve praise because I'm benefiting from working every day in a country I'm proud of. ''

Create a society where everyone can live with peace of mind while respecting each other regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion. That was my duty, and I was deeply attracted to Prime Minister Adarn, who was delighted and grateful that he was entrusted with the work.

I would like to pay attention to what kind of society will be created by Prime Minister Ardern, who has gained attention as a prime minister who has taken maternity leave, and who has shown his belief and power to unite society.

Sydney branch manager Risa Komiya