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

Jacinda Ardern is only the second modern leader to give birth while in office.

September 25, 2018, 2:08 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.

PHOTO: 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.
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."

PHOTO: 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.
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.

PHOTO: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave birth to her daughter Neve 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.

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