DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
“ Our organisations should mirror the markets where we operate and we should use the power we hold to reduce inequality ”
THOMAS UDESEN CO-FOUNDER & AMBASSADOR , THE SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PLEDGE
UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ON DIVERSITY
Sadly , diversity is not yet universally acknowledged as a strength in the workplace , with some countries still lacking a Human Resources Department ( or similar unit ) to protect employees and job interviewees from discrimination due to their unique attributes .
But some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will address inequality and push for diversity – and not just in the workplace :
Goal 5 : Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Across the world , women make up only 28 % of managerial positions – it ’ s a good start , but there ’ s a way to go
Over the next decade , 10mn girls will be at risk of child marriage , which will prevent most from finishing school or entering the workforce . The UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to : ‘ Eliminate all harmful practices , such as child , early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation ’.
Goal 8 : Promote sustained , inclusive and sustainable economic growth , full and productive employment and decent work for all The UN predicts that the pandemic will lead to an increase in youth not in school , employment or training , 31 % of young women and 14 % of young men . As half of the world ’ s population is under the age of 30 , this is huge .
The UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals plan to achieve higher levels of economic productivity through : ‘ Diversification , technological upgrading and innovation ’.
Goal 10 : Reduce inequality within and among countries By 2030 , the UN aims to : ‘ Empower and promote the social , economic and political inclusion of all , irrespective of age , sex , disability , race , ethnicity , origin , religion or economic or other status .’
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