A government minister is taking part in a year-long international programme for senior political leaders.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, has joined the 2026 cohort of the Field Fellowship.

Founded by Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, fellows are identified and invited by the programme, and Ms Lightbourne is the first minister of the Government of Bermuda to receive the invitation.

Field supports senior political leaders practising empathetic leadership.

The fellowship runs for a full year and combines structured development, peer exchange and direct engagement with senior practitioners in government, public communication and international affairs.

The 2026 cohort of 13 women leaders, from countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and North America, gathered for a retreat over the Cup Match holiday.

Its members include serving national ministers, a Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the European Parliament, a mayor and former Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Health.

The retreat combined facilitated sessions, structured peer exchange and individual advisory time.

The cohort also held a conversation with Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ms Lightbourne’s selection places Bermuda within a working network of governments managing pressures central to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ mandate; household affordability, energy transition, housing and public trust in institutions.

Speaking after returning from the retreat, Ms Lightbourne said: “Different countries, different politics and the same dedication to serve people better and prove it in results.

“I return with working relationships across four regions, and a stronger network of women in government who measure leadership by what reaches people.

“I thank Dame Jacinda Ardern and the Field team for the invitation.”