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2024 International Conference
June 14 @ 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Details
- Speakers
- Program
- Morning Breakouts
- Afternoon Breakouts
- Location
- Mindfulness Session
- Conference Photos
We would like to invite you to our 2024 International Conference “The Future We Choose: Practical Steps and Global Perspectives,” scheduled for 14 June, 2024, in The Hague, Netherlands.
We all feel it: An uncertain world that seems to be lurching from one crisis to the next. Populism continues to threaten freedom of speech and expression, and LGBTIQ+ communities are feeling more vulnerable than they have in years. Employers, both private sector and public sector are not immune to this sentiment. Many of the givens, such as robust Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, are sometimes questioned – even challenged, despite the considerable progress that has been made.
But the future is anything but decided! Stakeholders for the progression of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion are many and are powerful. We are the ones who decide if workplaces around the world will continue to embrace LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
The 2024 Workplace Pride International Conference brings together many of these stakeholders, from employers, LGBTIQ+ civil society, governments and academia to hear different viewpoints, explore the priorities, and collectively determine how we will focus our efforts in the coming year. We will hear from top executives (both LGBTIQ+ and non) who are well versed in the economic angle, politicians from countries that experience LGBTIQ+ discrimination first-hand, Civil Society Organisations active in many countries where Workplace Pride members have activities, and our own members who have an eye on both strategic issues as well as the practical ones that need to be addressed every day.
So come and join us and 400+ participants to face this uncertain world together. Together we are strong…. this is the future WE choose!
Event Details:
Theme: The Future We Choose: Practical Steps and Global Perspectives
Date: Friday, 14 June 2024
Location: New Babylon Conference Centre, The Hague, Netherlands
Together, we will:
- Hear diverse viewpoints from top executives, politicians, civil society organisations, and our own members.
- Explore priorities and strategies for advancing LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.
- Determine collective actions to shape the future of global workplace equality.
Mark Your Calendar:
Save the date for this highly interactive conference on Friday, 14 June 2024. Let us work together towards building LGBTIQ+ inclusive workplaces that reflect the diversity and strength of our society. We look forward to seeing you in The Hague.
With kind regards,
David Pollard
Executive Director
Workplace Pride
Rob Jetten
Minister for Climate and Energy / Deputy Prime Minister of The Netherlands
Rob Jetten (He/Him) is a prominent Dutch politician currently serving as Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2024 and Minister for Climate and Energy Policy since January 2022. He assumed leadership of the Democrats 66 (D66) party in August 2023 and has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2017. Jetten’s political career began as a policy advisor for D66 and chairman of the Young Democrats, later transitioning to municipal council member in Nijmegen. In 2017, he was elected to the House of Representatives and subsequently became his party’s spokesperson on various critical issues. Jetten’s tenure has seen significant initiatives, including a substantial investment in a national hydrogen transportation network. He assumed leadership of D66 in 2023, taking over from Sigrid Kaag, and later became Deputy Prime Minister in 2024, assuming additional roles following Kaag’s resignation.
Siobhán Martin, PhD
Global Executive, NED, & Driver of Cultural Change
Siobhán Martin, PhD (She/Her) is a distinguished leader in Inclusion & Diversity, Culture, Leadership & Talent at Aegon, a global entity. Beyond her role at Aegon, she serves as a board member for various commercial enterprises, charitable trusts, and professional bodies. Additionally, Dr. Martin holds the esteemed title of University Fellow.
Rachel Solway
Chief Human Resources and Corporate Officer Shell
Rachel Soloway (She/Her) joined Shell in 1995 in Upstream in Aberdeen, Scotland. She has since held HR roles in manufacturing, LPG, lubricants and chemicals. In 2016, Rachel was appointed Executive Vice President HR Integrated Gas. She became the Executive Vice President HR Upstream in 2020 before being appointed interim Executive Vice President HR Organisation Development & Learning in May 2023.
| TIME | ITEM | TOPIC / SPEAKER |
| 08:00 | Registration Opens | |
| 09:00-09:05 | Opening Plenary | Ikenna Azuike: Conference Moderator |
| 09:05-09:10 | David Pollard: Executive Director, Workplace Pride | |
| 09:10-09:30 | Opening Keynote | Rob Jetten: Minister for Climate and Energy / Deputy Prime Minister of The Netherlands |
| 09:30-10:10 | Executive Panel | The Challenging Global Landscape: Public & Private sector in the crosshairs |
| 10:10-10:30 | Keynote | Siobhán Martin, PhD: Global Executive, NED, & Driver of Cultural Change, Aegon |
| 10:30-11:15 | Morning Networking Break | |
| 11:15-12:30 | Morning Breakouts | |
| Room 1.2 | 1. The Public Face of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion | |
| Room 1.6 | 2. The Dilemma of Billable Hours: Balancing DEI & Business Priorities | |
| Room 1.7 | 3. Supporting LGBTIQ+ Employees in Challenging countries | |
| Room 1.5 | 4. The Investor’s guide to LGBT+ Inclusion | |
| Room 1.1 | 5. Connecting Cards: A Practical Tool to Confronting Bias | |
| Room 1.4 | 6. Impactful Strategies for Bi+ inclusion at work | |
| Room 1.9 | 7. Transgender Inclusion & Safety in the Workplace | |
| 12:30-13:45 | Lunch Break | |
| 13:45-15:00 | Afternoon Breakouts | |
| Room 1.6 | 1. Neurodiversity in Pride | |
| Room 1.3 | 2. Adapting to Local Context: Thailand – A Case Study | |
| Room 1.9 | 3. Making the Case for Self-ID | |
| Room 1.2 | 4. Global Engagement of LGBTIQ+ Networks | |
| Room 1.4 | 5. Intersectionality: The Reality of Race, Ethnicity & Queer Identities | |
| Room 1.1 | 6. Rainbow Washing: Are We Doing the ‘Right’ Thing? | |
| Room 1.5 | 7. Sector-based LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion | |
| 15:00-15:30 | Afternoon Networking Break | Optional Mindfulness Session – Room 1.7 |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Closing Plenary | |
| 15:30 – 15:32 | Ikenna Azuike: Conference Moderator | |
| 15:32 – 15:37 | Edith Molemans: Give a Damn Foundation | |
| 15:37 – 15:55 | Keynote Speaker | Rachel Solway: Chief HR & Corporate Officer, Shell |
| 15:55 – 16:30 | Executive Panel | Executive Panel: Charting the Way Ahead |
| 16:30 – 16:45 | Executive Interview | Kim Larsen: ING Luca Senis: DOW |
| 16:45 – 16:55 | Communities: Introducing POC@WorkplacePride | |
| 16:55 – 17:00 | Closing of Conference | David Pollard: Executive Director, Workplace Pride |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Networking Reception |
Morning Breakout Sessions
| Breakout Title | Description |
|---|---|
| The Public Face of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion (11:15-12:30) | How organisations’ LGBTIQ+ polices and practices are perceived to the outside world has never been more challenging than now. Both far right and far left forces in politics and in society increasingly scrutinise employers’ intentions. So how do progressive employers balance their LGBTIQ+ ‘identities’ with this public challenge? How can Executive Boards, Communications and Public Affairs professionals craft messages that respect their values while still responding effectively to these external challenges? This dynamic session tackles all of these issues with the input of practitioners who are ‘walking the talk’. |
| The Dilemma of Billable Hours: Balancing DEI & Business Priorities (11:15-12:30) | Many of us work in a fast paced culture that demands high performance. It can be challenging to carve out time to contribute to DEI initiatives in the organisations we work for, and even more so in organisations that work with a billable hours model. If there are only so many hours a week an employee can spend on non-billable work, how do we keep them engaged on ID&E amidst other non-client work that demands their attention? Practitioners looks at all angles of this timely topic in a fully interactive and solution-oriented session. |
| Supporting LGBTIQ+ Employees in Challenging countries (11:15-12:30) | Implementing LGBTIQ+ policies & practices can be very complex in some countries from legal, cultural and personal angles. So how do employers reconcile their global policies with the reality on the ground? How do they support their employees and how can they work with other organisations so they are not operating in a vacuum? This breakout sessions takes a deep dive into these issues from both an employer and employee perspective and hears from those who have lived experiences on all sides of the topic. |
| The Investor’s guide to LGBT+ Inclusion (11:15-12:30) | Navigating how and where to invest and still be inclusive of LGBTIQ+ strategies can be a challenge; one that impacts not only employers but also employees and the greater LGBTIQ+ community as well. This interactive session presented by Open for Business provides a framework to effectively evaluate companies on their LGBTIQ+ inclusion efforts. It also explores the correlation between these efforts achieving higher profit margins, enhancing corporate reputation and improving diversity outcomes. |
| Connecting Cards: A Practical Tool to Confronting Bias (11:15-12:30) | Accenture and Schiphol Group team up in this highly interactive breakout session that takes all participants on a voyage of discovery about perceived bias and how to talk about – sometimes – uncomfortable topics. This unique approach to DEI in the workplace can be used for any topic, but is particularly relevant for the oftentimes sensitive topic of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. |
| Bi+ Inclusion in the Workplace (11:15-12:30) | Despite widespread belief in the workplace being more inclusive towards individuals identifying as gay, lesbian, bi+, or otherwise queer, especially for younger demographics, the reality tells a different story. Emerging insights furthermore suggest significant variance within these communities, warranting nuanced attention. In this session, a pioneering new study conducted by the Workplace Pride Chair at Leiden University and equality organization Bi+ Nederland details persistent challenges encountered by bi+ individuals in professional settings, distinct from those faced by their gay, lesbian, and transgender counterparts. Moreover, it delves into the necessity for tailored strategies to authentically incorporate this often-misunderstood, underrepresented, and marginalised group. |
| Transgender Inclusion & Safety in the Workplace (11:15-12:30) | As the global political landscape shifts to a more conservative outlook, many marginalised groups are finding that their social safety and inclusion in the workplace can also be compromised. This is particularly true for the transgender community. This breakout session looks at these political and social issues in detail and how they impact the daily reality for transgender individuals at work. Participants will gain more knowledge about this issue and, through interactive discussion, learn how organisations can actively support their colleagues. |
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
| Breakout Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Neurodiversity in Pride (13:45-15:00) | Neurodiversity is becoming more and more a hot-topic within different organisations, and often a relationship is made between the LGBTIQ+ community and having neurodiverse traits. But what does neurodiversity mean, what is included and why is the relationship between the LGBTIQ+ community so often made? During an engaging breakout session, Workplace Pride’s five Communities (Women, Trans+, Tech, Academia and Young) will bring different perspectives. Collectively, they will also identify the commonalities which allow employers and employees to better engage with neurodiverse people. Through interactive case-studies and provocative discussions, this session will equip participants with first ideas of tools and techniques they can use in their workplace. |
| Adapting to Local Context: Thailand – A Case Study (13:45-15:00) | Employers and communities are more and more aware of the need to have a global outlook for LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion yet sometimes struggle with with local implementation. This provocative breakout session reveals how an existing tool (The Workplace Pride UN Standards Toolkit) was adapted to the local context, (business) culture, and language in Thailand. Participants will take part in a presentation of the “Thai Toolkit” but, just as importantly, gain valuable knowledge around the dynamics of making progress on LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion through innovate and out of the box thinking in a non-western context. |
| Making the Case for Self-ID (13:45-15:00) | Self-Identification for LGBTIQ+ people has intrinsic value for both employers and employees. It is critical that organisations are clear about goals, intentions and actions with respect to Self ID data. They must carefully consider privacy, build trust, and act with respect and integrity when they take steps to implement Self ID in their organisation. In this follow up from last year’s breakout, participants will learn how they can build needed support for their own efforts, by focusing on how Self ID can create a stronger future for their organisation and for their LGBTIQ+ colleagues. |
| Global Engagement of LGBTIQ+ Networks (13:45-15:00) | This engaging breakout session presented by ING’s global team will showcase the value of LGBTIQ+ Employee Resource Groups but also the challenge to maintain interest over time. It will explore how ERG’s can remain strategically focused while simultaneously maintaining that ‘grass-roots’ feel and purpose. ING’s ‘Rainbow Lions’ is a large and impactful LGBTIQ+ ERG established 20 years ago that has a multitude of activities, More importantly, though, they know how to present their accomplishments in a way that is inspirational to other ERGs and ensures impact for the business. |
| Intersectionality: The Reality of Race, Ethnicity & Queer Identities (13:45-15:00) | In the world, many LGBTIQ+ people of colour (POC) still face discrimination, harassment, and discomfort in the workplace. Indeed, studies indicate that intersectionality, (multiple-minority characteristics) has an impact on how people are treated and perceived at work. This interactive breakout offers a safe space for participants to understand how race, ethnic and cultural backgrounds impact LGBTIQ+ POC professionals at work. It will start the conversation about the challenges LGBTIQ+ POC face in the workplace and particularly focus on awareness raising and strategies for support and allyship. |
| Rainbow Washing: Are We Doing the ‘Right’ Thing? (13:45-15:00) | “Doing the right thing” is not nearly as clear-cut as it used to be when it comes to LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. Activists and younger generations are much more critical about what they deem to be genuine efforts at inclusion and the term “Rainbow Washing” is now heard much more frequently. And how should organisations who are trying to do the right thing strike a good balance between their LGBTIQ+ efforts and the threat of cancel culture? This session looks at all angles of this contentious issue as it aims for clarity for all stakeholders that will lead to sustainable progress. |
| Sector-based LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion (13:45-15:00) | Many industries increasingly recognise the importance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion as a business imperative of DE&I. Trends in this area include: workplace policies, learning and development programs, representation, transgender inclusion, supplier diversity, and ERGs (employee resource groups). But how do approaches differ from sector to sector? This breakout uncovers industry-focused trends on LGBTIQ+ inclusion and provides the audience a great opportunity to learn how other organisations tackle the challenges they experience on their journey. |
About The Hague Conference Centre
Anna van Buerenplein 29
2595 DA The Hague
Netherlands
The Hague Conference Center stands for international hospitality, luxurious catering and contemporary facilities at the highest level. The variety of spacious rooms and breakout options are extremely easily accessible: located adjacent to The Hague Central Station and easy to reach by car with ample parking. Audiovisual facilities and all facilities are available to make your meeting a great success.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Train, metro or bus
The Hague Conference Center is located next to The Hague Central Station, so you can easily reach us. At the station, follow the signs towards the Koningin Julianaplein exit and you will walk straight into the New Babylon building, where The Hague Conference Center is located. If you travel by public transport, we recommend that you plan your trip via NS.nl. The 9292ov site can also tell you which buses or trams you can take.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Airport
With a direct train connection from Schiphol or Rotterdam The Hague Airport you can reach The Hague Central Station within 30 minutes. There is also a good connection from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to The Hague Conference Center. You can also take bus 33 and change at Meijersplein to the RandstadRail metro line E, which takes you directly to The Hague Central Station. Would you rather take a taxi? You will also be at The Hague Conference Center within 30 minutes.
Accessibility and parking
The Hague Conference Center is easily accessible by public transport or by car. You will find ample parking underneath the building and the station is next door.
For navigation, use the following address:Anna van Beurenplein 48.
2595 DA The Hague.
Condensed Mindfulness Session: Integrating Vinyasa Yoga, MBSR, Reiki, and Connective Circular Breathwork
This session is currently full.
Session Overview:
Join us for a half-hour condensed mindfulness session led by Omar Badawy, a certified expert in Vinyasa Yoga, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Reiki, and Connective Circular Breathwork. This unique experience will blend techniques from these disciplines, including baby yoga, accompanied by gentle music to create a serene environment.
Session Focus:
This session will emphasise active circular breathing and pranayama techniques (yogic breathing) to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Participants will have the opportunity to reconnect with their bodies, achieve a calm state of mind, and process the day’s information. Suitable for all levels, the session will provide step-by-step guidance, with the option for consented, supportive touch.
Preparation:
Prior to the conference, participants will receive a detailed prep email. Here are some key tips to ensure a comfortable and effective experience:
- Dress comfortably, removing ties and shoes to allow full breathing and relaxation.
- Be prepared for potential changes in temperature and physical reactions, such as hand cramping—these are normal, and support will be available.
- Take a restroom break before the session and avoid a full stomach to prevent interference with breathing exercises.
- Feel free to bring personal props like an eye pillow or extra blanket.
Contraindications:
While this session is inclusive, participants with the following conditions are advised to proceed with caution or consider alternative forms of meditation:
- Pregnancy
- Asthma or severe lung disease (e.g., COPD)
- Heart problems, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular diseases
- Psychosis, epilepsy, or other psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder)
We welcome you to this rejuvenating session designed to enhance your well-being and help you integrate the enriching experiences of the conference.
You can view all the conference photos here!
Event Details:
Theme: The Future We Choose: Practical Steps and Global Perspectives
Date: Friday, 14 June 2024
Location: New Babylon Conference Centre, The Hague, Netherlands