Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, called on political and business leaders to work together to build a strong, equitable, and long-term recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic on Thursday. According to reports, Jacinda said this while delivering the keynote address to a global business audience at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit.

"There is now little doubt that staying on top of the virus provides options when it comes to responding to the economic challenges before us," Ardern said, acknowledging the pandemic's scope. "As we prepare for the post-pandemic era, we must continue to strengthen the government-business partnership." "Through innovative ideas and renewed resolve, we must set the stage for an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable recovery that invests in our people and our planet," she said. She outlined a number of areas where political and business leaders could collaborate to achieve economic recovery and weather future economic downturns. "Efficiency and productivity must be unlocked."

Meanwhile, workplaces and businesses must be welcoming to people from all walks of life, particularly women and indigenous peoples, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic's effects but are a productive and engaged workforce with much to contribute, she said.

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