Ardern fits in with young leaders in Paris

THE most lyrical introduction of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Paris came at a university: ‘‘as is sometimes, if not always, the case hope springs up again in the guise of youth’’.

It came from Sciences Po university president Frederic Mion after listing a series of turbulent international events such as the election of US President Donald Trump, the Brexit vote and terrorist attacks, including in France itself.

The ‘‘youth’’ he was referring to were Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ms Ardern herself, the youngest of them all.

It was spring in Paris, people were out in a gentle sun along the Seine and all three of the aforementioned youth were in town at the same time.

All three had campaigned on climate change.

All three use buzzwords such as ‘‘progressive’’, inclusive’’, ‘‘likeminded’’ and ‘‘new generation’’.

All three have been paid a lot of attention by the world’s media — by the standards of New Zealand Prime Ministers, Ms Ardern has triumphed in the international media, appearing in everything from Le Monde to NBC.

At some point all three will inevitably face disillusionment from voters for either failing to deliver or delivering and upsetting the apple cart.

Mr Trudeau, the oldest and longest serving, was perhaps the furthest along in that regard — and is likely a cautionary lesson for the others.

Ms Ardern’s day began with President Macron.

They gave a press conference at the Elysee Palace in a ballroom decked with chandeliers with gilded cherubs looking down from above. It was a long way way away from the flurry of miniscandals Ms Ardern had faced at home.

The gilded cherubs in international politics at the moment are those who were speaking below. They were speaking of ‘‘progressive’’ trade agreements and missile attacks on Syria.

Then it was on to Mr Trudeau, whom she now knows well enough.

They shared some special moments — Trudeau said they led ‘‘likeminded countries’’ and were also likeminded personally.

They exchanged banalities for the cameras before heading off to talk about the TPP and, no doubt, someone who does not qualify as a gilded cherub — US President Donald Trump.

Last night she was meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Berlin, but Paris, alongside her fellow ‘‘youth adjacent’’ colleagues, could not have been a better place for her to start a week of meeting highpowered players.

Ms Ardern is still finding her own niche in international circles.

Though confident, she is still more comfortable talking about domestic issues.

While former Prime Minister John Key excelled in building strong relations with other leaders, many have moved on to other ventures.

Ms Ardern started with a clean slate with Mr Trudeau and Mr Macron.

Ms Ardern left Paris with her primary mission accomplished.

Mr Macron himself had identified the only area where they might disagree, pointing out that when the French rugby team toured New Zealand in June they might be hoping for different results.

As Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern goes into her meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel last night, NZME reporter Claire Trevett looks back on ‘‘youth day’’ in Paris.