Jacinda Ardern says showcasing merits of globalisation best way to combat isolationist agenda

Showcasing the merits of global cooperation is the key to combat isolationist and protectionist policies, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. 

Ms Ardern  called for a rebuilding of multilateralism and a commitment to "kindness and collectivism " during a speech to the UN last week.  In contrast, Mr Trump used his speech on Wednesday to reject globalism.

1 NEWS reporter Rebecca Wright asked Ms Ardern if a more direct approach could have been used in the speech that appeared to rebuff US President Donald Trump's strong stance against globalisation.

"The best way that we can put forward the agenda of the multilateral approach, collectivism, rules-based order is by talking about the merits of that," Ms Ardern said on TVNZ1's Q+A.

She said the US' position against globalisation was new, "but some of the things that have given rise to why they've taken that position, that's actually universal".

"In New Zealand, we're trying to make sure that the benefits... of open and free trade are more evenly spread. Some nations, like the United States, are taking a different policy approach in the face of those challenges."

Ms Ardern said New Zealand was not standing on the side-lines in terms of isolation politics.

"We've given voice to our values, and those values are hugely important to who we are."

She said New Zealand was putting its values such as believing strongly in human rights, multilateralism and climate change "out there on the world stage".