Prime Highlights:

• Julia Gillard was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Sydney for her leadership in education and mental health.
• She urged graduates to continue promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in society.

Key Facts:

• Since leaving politics, Gillard has led the Global Partnership for Education and supported the Campaign for Female Education.
• Some major US companies, like Meta and Amazon, are rolling back diversity programs, while others, like Apple and Costco, continue to support them.

Key Background:

Former PM Julia Gillard received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Sydney for her work in education.

Receiving the honor on Wednesday, Ms Gillard reflected on her lifelong commitment to education and the values instilled in her from an early age. “From a very young age, my parents taught me that education was not just the key to a good job, but the foundation stone of a good life,” she said. She credited Australia’s public school system for giving her the opportunities that eventually led her to a career in law and politics.

The University of Sydney praised Julia Gillard for her work in education, both in and after politics. Since then, she has led the Global Partnership for Education, which helps schools in poorer countries, and worked with the Campaign for Female Education, which supports women’s learning.

In her address to the graduating class, Ms Gillard also urged the next generation to remain alert to social and political challenges that threaten equality and inclusion. She cautioned that a growing “uber-rich” elite, combined with rising authoritarian politics, could undermine the progress made toward diversity and gender equality.

She mentioned that some big US companies, including Meta, Amazon and Bank of America, have reduced their diversity and inclusion programs. However, she noted that others like Apple, Costco and Delta Air Lines are still promoting equality and seeing positive results.

“Just as the founders of this university believed that doors should be open to everyone regardless of background or gender, so too must our modern world continue dismantling the barriers that hold people back,” she said.

Julia Gillard’s recognition serves as a reminder of how education remains a powerful tool for social progress, and how inclusive leadership continues to shape a fairer, more equitable future.