AKIPRESS.COM - Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern has been named among a list of 50 of the world's greatest leaders by Fortune Magazine.

The list ranks leaders who "are transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same".

It acknowledged the prime minister for her efforts in navigating through New Zealand's worst terror attack in history, in which 50 people were killed.

"Rallying people behind the theme 'We are one', she channeled the country's-and Muslim community's-grief as she opened speeches with Arabic greetings and quietly wore a head scarf.

The magazine also recognised how Ms Ardern refused to speak the suspect's name and was swift in making moves for a ban on semiautomatic weapons of the kind used in the attack.

"Future leaders can look to Ardern for a master class in how to guide a country through a crisis," it said.

Ardern was beaten to the top spot by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates.