Business Disability Forum (BDF) is set to host its global conference on 21 November 2024. It will bring together leaders and experts from diverse industries to explore the challenges and opportunities of disability inclusion in an evolving world.
This year’s theme, Disability Inclusion in a Changing World, will address how organisations worldwide are adapting to shifting political landscapes, new legislation, and emerging global perspectives on diversity and inclusion.
“Recent changes in legislation and regulation pose new challenges, and this conference will discuss how our global Members are adapting to new rules and continuing to create a more disability-inclusive world for everyone,” stated Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum. “The BDF represents a global community where businesses, across a range of industries, can come together to discuss current developments and share best practices.”
TACKLING REGULATORY CHANGES IMPACTING DISABILITY INCLUSION
This year’s conference will spotlight the impact of new legislation. These include the European Accessibility Act, alongside growing Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements. These shifts have heightened interest in global data monitoring and tracking progress in disability inclusion across different regions.
The pharmaceutical giant Novartis, for example, will share insights from their operations across Europe, India, China, and Japan, highlighting how diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes shape their disability inclusion strategies.
DISABILITY INCLUSION EXPERTS
The conference will feature a lineup of thought leaders in disability inclusion, diversity, and corporate social responsibility. Some of the most anticipated sessions include:
- Being the Change You Want to See. La Mondré Pough, CEO of Billion Strong, and a respected expert in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, will share her vision for driving authentic, transformative change.
- Disability Inclusion in a Changing World – What’s New and What’s on the Horizon? Angela Matthews, Director of Policy and Research at BDF, joins CEO Diane Lightfoot to discuss upcoming trends and challenges in disability inclusion.
A special address from Carolanne Minashi, Global Head of Inclusion at HSBC (UK), one of the event’s sponsors, will emphasize HSBC’s commitment to fostering inclusive work environments. “We are proud to partner with BDF to help create workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported to fulfil their potential,” shared Minashi. “At HSBC, we believe our strength lies in reflecting the communities we serve. Investing in accessibility and an inclusive culture allows us to recruit and retain employees with disabilities, driving both innovation and growth.”
DISCUSSING GLOBAL DISABILITY INCLUSION
The BDF Global Conference will also feature in-depth panel discussions, including:
- Disability Inclusion at Novartis: Navigating Cultural and Regulatory Differences. Representatives from Novartis, including Stephie Elms (Switzerland) and Frederique Loeuillet-Ritzler (France/Switzerland), will explore how the company addresses disability inclusion across regions with differing legislation and social norms.
- The European Accessibility Act (EAA): What Businesses Need to Know. Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google (UK), and Sabine Lobnig, Director for Communications at the Mobile & Wireless Forum (MWF), will discuss the implications of the EAA and how companies can prepare for compliance.
- Building Confidence Through Disability Networks and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Brendan Roach, Managing Director of PurpleSpace (UK), and Renee H. Anastasi, Vice President at HSBC Technology & Services (US), will explore the role of ERGs in fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities.
- Using ESG to Drive Disability Inclusion. Experts from the International Labour Organization, including Jürgen Menze (Switzerland) and Rubeena Singh (Canada), will discuss how ESG metrics can be leveraged to promote meaningful disability inclusion in global business practices.
EVENT DETAILS
The virtual conference, sponsored by HSBC, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. GMT on 21 November. All sessions will be accessible for immediate playback, allowing participants worldwide to engage with the content at their convenience. To join the conversation and learn more about the speakers and topics, visit the Business Disability Forum’s events page for registration and further information.
This year’s BDF Global Conference promises to be a powerful platform for leaders, advocates, and organisations to exchange insights and strategies for building a truly inclusive future. With a focus on authenticity, accountability, and actionable change, the event is expected to inspire businesses to embrace disability inclusion as a core part of their global responsibility.
Click here for more details and to register.
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