In line with its commitment to achieve an equitable future, 3M Middle East & Africa, in partnership with The American Chamber of Commerce in Dubai (AmCham Dubai), hosted a symposium on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) titled ‘The Design of Inclusion’ at the USA Pavilion located in the Opportunity District of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Bringing together senior business leaders from local and international organisations including Visa, FedEx and Higher Colleges of Technology, the event focused on the role of government and corporations to advance DEI in the region.
“The public and private sectors working together can create more equitable and inclusive opportunities for everyone in order to build a community where not only organisations, but individuals can truly thrive,” said Meghan Gregonis, United States Consul General in Dubai.
In his opening remarks, Laszlo Svinger, Vice President and Managing Director at 3M Middle East & Africa (MEA) highlighted the company’s commitment to building a more inclusive and competitive workplace where people feel safe, respected and valued. “While we understand the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity cannot be understated, we recognise that we can and must do more. Bringing together leaders from various local and international organisations to engage and innovate solutions for greater progress, not only in the workplace but in wider society too, is crucial to achieve a truly equitable future,” he explained.
The symposium featured a roundtable discussion on the future of inclusion, and the collaborative role of government and corporations in advancing DEI, and a fireside chat on the inclusive workplace of the future, which was moderated by Cara Nazari, Managing Director of AmCham Dubai. Speakers comprised of local and international leaders including:
- His Excellency Dr Abdullatif AlShamsi, President and CEO of Higher Colleges of Technology
- Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region for Visa
- Sammy Bousaba, Managing Director, Sales at FedEx and President of AmCham Dubai
- Auriel Rawlings, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor and HR Leader Middle East & Northern Africa region FedEx
The discussions covered a wide range of issues from the role of allyship in workplace to the difference between equality and equity, and the role of DEI in contributing to building the success of companies. The roundtable session witnessed business leaders highlighted the opportunities for the new generation entering the workforce, discussed new learning models in the education sector to promote inclusivity in addition to recognising each market’s unique needs to implement global corporate programs at a local level.
Dr Abdullatif AlShamsi, President and CEO of Higher Colleges of Technology, said, “UAE has a story of Diversity and Inclusivity unparalleled to any other. At HCT, we ensure that our national values and ambitions are translated into actionable institutional strategies that help us produce a workforce of competent and tolerant global citizens.”
During the event, 3M screened its documentary ‘Not the Science Type’, which demonstrates women breaking down boundaries within the science, technology, engineer, and math (STEM) fields by challenging stereotypes and confronting gender, racial and age discrimination.
