Takeaways from Jacinda‘s Adern Commencement speech
From laws passed to understanding disinformation.
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern delivered the commencement speech at Harvard on 26th May 2022. These are the important topics she discussed :
- Introduction
Jacinda Ardern started by addressing Benazir Bhutto’s commencement speech titled “Democratic nations must unite”, which she delivered in 1989. “We must realize that democracy can be fragile”, said Benazir Bhutto in the speech. Benazir Bhutto was the first Muslim female Prime Minister and also the first to give birth in office. The only other leader to give birth in office, 30 years later was Jacinda Adern. Her daughter was born on the same day as Benazir Bhutto.
2. Progressive reforms
The laws passed in New Zealand in the 10 years include the introduction of gay marriages, banning conversion therapy, banning military-style semi-automatic and assault rifles, and decriminalization of abortion. For which, she received a standing ovation.
3. Social media
Social media is something that offers connection and re-connection. She talked about the algorithms used in these media platforms. Also stated that the social media companies need to recognize their power and should act on it. There is also a need for responsible algorithm development and deployment.
4. The origin of Disinformation
She described her encounter with ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a panel discussion. Jacinda’s asked her how did she manage it? Her answer was that things have changed a lot. In the panel discussion, Merkel talked about how information was getting passed. The mainstream media had so many layers of accountability, but that is not the case for social media. The flow of disinformation is high now. But this is not a new problem. Thomas Rid argues that it began in the early 1920s, during the great depression. He then argues it came in waves including mid-2010 with disinformation shaped in the form of new technologies.
5. How to deal with Disinformation
We have to understand the limitations of a single piece of information. We will always be surrounded by bias. We will be more exposed to disinformation and with time, it will get worse. But how we choose to engage with information and to deal with conflicts matters. It is our choice how we treat differences with empathy and kindness. Through debate, through rebuilding trust and information, and through empathy, we can reclaim the space in between. She concluded by saying “After all there are some things in this life that make us feel small and connected, let kindness be one of them.”
