• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

New Zealand prime minister makes history, brings 'first baby' to UN general assembly

0:31
New Zealand prime minister arrives at UN with her baby
Carlo Allegri/Reuters
ByGuy Davies and Davi Merchan
September 25, 2018, 6:08 PM

The prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern made history on Monday by becoming the first world leader at the United Nations to bring a baby into a general assembly meeting.

Ardern delivered a speech to the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit on September 24 while her 3-month-old baby Neve sat with her partner, Clarke Gayford.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kisses her baby Neve before speaking at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sept. 24, 2018.
Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Gayford tweeted a picture of Neve’s security pass, which named the newborn as "first baby."

New Zealand Prime Minister's partner, Clarke Gayford, tweeted a picture of their baby's security badge for the United Nation General Assembly in New York.
Clarke Gayford

The prime minister became only the second-ever head of state to give birth while in office when Neve was born at Auckland City Hospital on June 21.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave birth to her daughter Neve on June 21.
Jacinda Ardern

Ardern, 38, returned to work in August after taking only six weeks maternity leave.

The only other modern world leader known to give birth while in office was former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto in January 1990, according to the BBC.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is returning to work after maternity leave.
Jacinda Ardern

Up Next in News—

This San Francisco shop is run completely by an AI agent

April 23, 2026

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 23, 2026

UK bill banning smoking products for those born after 2008 is one step away from becoming law

April 22, 2026

Pilot killed in Florida plane crash hailed as hero

April 21, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News