2025 Workplace Pride International Conference
June 6 @ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Beyond Pride: Building a Roadmap For Inclusion
- Overview
- Program
- Morning Sessions
- Afternoon Sessions
- Speakers
- Career Pathfinder
- Location
- Streaming Information
Event Details:
Theme: Beyond Pride: Building a Roadmap For Inclusion
Date: Friday, 6 June 2025
Location: The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam, Netherlands
We invite you to the 2025 Workplace Pride International Conference, themed Beyond Pride: Building a Roadmap For Inclusion, scheduled for 6 June 2025 at The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam.
The global landscape of LGBTIQ+ inclusion and belonging is evolving in both promising and challenging ways. While some organisations are scaling back their visible commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), others remain steadfast, understanding that true inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a business necessity. The 2025 Workplace Pride International Conference will explore how organisations can go beyond acknowledging diversity and take meaningful, strategic steps to build inclusive environments that foster long-term success.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities. By taking strategic action, we can ensure that inclusion and belonging are not just ideals but fundamental components of a thriving, sustainable future. Workplace Pride is committed to moving beyond Pride, engaging diverse stakeholders, and embedding inclusion into the very fabric of workplace culture.
Join us in Amsterdam to help shape the future of workplace inclusion. Let us stand united in driving meaningful change and building truly inclusive workplaces for all.
Why Attend?
- Connect with over 300 participants dedicated to LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.
- Gain insights from leading voices in business, government, and academia.
- Explore actionable strategies to build inclusive workplaces in an evolving world.
- Be part of shaping the future of workplace inclusion on a global scale.
| TIME | ITEM | TOPIC / SPEAKER |
| 08:00 | Registration Opens | |
| 09:00-09:05 | Opening Plenary | Nandine Ridder: Conference Moderator |
| 09:05-09:10 | David Pollard: Executive Director, Workplace Pride | |
| 09:10-09:30 | Opening Keynote | Andrew Bester: Andrew Bester, Head of Wholesale Banking, ING |
| 09:30-10:15 | APAC Town Hall | This Town Hall meeting will feature speakers joining live from across Asia, along with several in-person participants at the KIT. Together, they will explore the Asian perspective on “Beyond Pride” and discuss the evolving future of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion in the region. |
| 10:15-10:45 | Morning Networking Break | Take this opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break and refreshments. During this time, we invite you to visit the Career Pathfinder area (3)—an inspiring space where you can connect with some of the most inclusive and forward-thinking organisations in our network. Click the Career Pathfinder tab for more information. |
| 10:45-12:00 | Morning Breakout Sessions | |
| 7 – EMMA ROOM | 1. Rainbow Families & Workplace Inclusion: Challenging Countries in the spotlight | |
| 10 – QUEEN MÁXIMA HALL | 2. Staying the Course: Keeping LGBTQ+ and Other Identities at the Center in a Shifting DEI Landscape | |
| 2 – MAURITS ROOM | 3. Activated Allyship: The DNA of Impactful Inclusion | |
| 4 – COUNCIL ROOM | 4. Impactful Leadership: Taking the Business Case to the Next Level | |
| 5 – BOARD ROOM | 5. Engaging Operational Staff: A Structural Approach to Change | |
| 8 – CLAUS ROOM | 6. Inclusion & Belonging at a Crossroads | |
12:00-13:15 | Lunch Break | Take this opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break and refreshments. During this time, we invite you to visit the Career Pathfinder area (3)—an inspiring space where you can connect with some of the most inclusive and forward-thinking organisations in our network. Click the Career Pathfinder tab for more information. |
13:15-13:20 | Afternoon Plenary | Nandine Ridder: Conference Moderator |
13:20-13:40 | Keynote Speaker | Karen de Lathouder, COO, Eneco |
| 13:40-14:20 | EMEA Town Hall | This Town Hall meeting will feature speakers joining live from across EMEA, along with several in-person participants at the KIT. Together, they will explore the EMEA perspective on “Beyond Pride” and discuss the evolving future of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion in the region. |
| 14:30-15:35 | Afternoon Breakout Sessions | |
| 10 – QUEEN MÁXIMA HALL | 1. Beyond Pride: Voices of Inclusion – A Stage for Real Stories | |
| 2 – MAURITS ROOM | 2. Beyond Visibility: Safety and Belonging Across Our Communities | |
| 15:35-16:00 | Afternoon Networking Break | Take this opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break and refreshments. During this time, we invite you to visit the Career Pathfinder area (3)—an inspiring space where you can connect with some of the most inclusive and forward-thinking organisations in our network. Click the Career Pathfinder tab for more information. |
16:00-16:30 | Americas Town Hall | This Town Hall meeting will feature speakers joining live from across the Americas, along with several in-person participants at the KIT. Together, they will explore the Americas perspective on “Beyond Pride” and discuss the evolving future of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion in the region. |
| 16:30 | Closing Plenary | |
16:30-16:40 | Unilever: Joanny Lijbers, Head of Cooking Aids & Marketing Transformation Foods Europe | VP | |
| 16:40-16:55 | Afternoon Keynote Speaker | Christiaan Rebergen: Sec. Gen. NL Min. Foreign Affairs |
| 16:55 – 17:00 | Closing of Conference | David Pollard: Executive Director, Workplace Pride |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Networking Reception |
| 10:45 – 12:00 | Morning Breakout Sessions – Description |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Families & Workplace Inclusion: Challenging Countries in the spotlight | LGBTIQ+ employees with families often face unique challenges in the workplace. How are issues such as parental leave policies, relocation and legal recognition handled by employers, particularly in countries with anti-LGBTIQ+ policies? This session will explore how organisations can support rainbow families through inclusive policies, benefits, and workplace cultures that acknowledge diverse family structures. It will also feature strategies for fostering inclusion in challenging regions, sharing best practices, policy frameworks, and advocacy efforts. |
| Staying the Course: Keeping LGBTQ+ and Other Identities at the Center in a Shifting DEI Landscape | As DEI efforts face increasing pushback, it’s more critical than ever to uphold identity-conscious strategies that celebrate and acknowledge diverse identities. Research shows that such approaches create safer, more inclusive, and attractive workplaces. However, recent attempts to rebrand diversity often struggle to maintain this focus. Furthermore, ensuring majority groups feel included without diminishing identity-specific efforts remains a key challenge. This interactive session will explore the academic foundations of identity-conscious strategies and facilitate a discussion on how to navigate these complexities. Together, we’ll examine practical approaches for fostering belonging without dilution—ensuring all groups are engaged while keeping LGBTQ+ and other identities at the center. Join us for a research-driven conversation on sustaining truly inclusive environments in a shifting DEI landscape. |
| Activated Allyship: The DNA of Impactful Inclusion | True inclusion goes beyond policies—it requires action. Allyship is a powerful force in driving meaningful change, but how can organisations move from passive support to active, impactful inclusion? This session will explore what activated allyship looks like in practice, from leadership accountability to everyday workplace behaviors. Through expert insights including from Women@Workplace Pride and real-world case studies, we will examine how organisations can embed allyship into their culture, empower employees at all levels, and ensure that inclusion efforts translate into lasting impact. |
| Impactful Leadership: Taking the Business Case to the Next Level | Leadership is key to transforming workplace inclusion from a corporate value into a strategic advantage. The case for fostering inclusive environments is well understood, but what is the next step to ensure that leaders move beyond justification to measurable action: particularly in today’s challenging landscape? This session will explore how executives and decision-makers can leverage data, accountability, and authentic engagement to create lasting impact. Through compelling case studies and expert insights, we will discuss how to integrate inclusion into business strategy, track long-term success, and inspire a workplace culture where belonging and equity are embedded at every level. |
| Engaging Operational Staff: A Structural Approach to Change | “Hi, I am Caroline, a 28 year old transgender women who’s working night-shifts in my factory. I think my colleagues accept me, but they often make jokes about LGBTIQ+ people. I’m not sure if they are talking about me, but it does make me uncomfortable. To not cause trouble I decided to stay quiet and just do my job. But, I have to admit it makes me feel unsafe from time to time.” Inclusion efforts often focus on leadership and corporate policies, but real, lasting change happens when every level of an organization is engaged—especially operational staff. But how do employers include both middle management as well as operational and execution staff to create a structured and sustainable approach to inclusion into daily operations? This session will explore practical strategies to discuss involving operational staff and the role that middle management must play in fostering a culture of belonging, ensuring that inclusion is not just a corporate initiative but a shared responsibility. Learn how organisations can move beyond top-down approaches, provide the right tools and training, and create an environment where every employee feels empowered to contribute to an inclusive workplace. We will practice how to put these strategies, tools and trainings in motion by discussing cases like the one from Caroline. |
| Inclusion & Belonging at a Crossroads | Inclusion and Belonging efforts among employers are facing a pivotal moment. While some organisations are doubling down on their commitments, others are scaling back due to external pressures, shifting priorities, or economic challenges. This session will explore the evolving landscape of DEI, examining the risks of stagnation, the opportunities for reinvention, and the strategies needed to sustain meaningful progress. Through expert insights and peer-based case studies, we will discuss how organisations can navigate resistance, measure impact, and future-proof their DEI initiatives to remain resilient in an ever-changing world. |
| 14:25 – 15:35 | Afternoon Sessions – Description |
|---|---|
| Beyond Pride: Voices of Inclusion – A Stage for Real Stories | Inclusion in the workplace is not just about policies and statements—it is about real people, real stories, and real change. At Beyond Pride: Voices of Inclusion, LGBTIQ+ professionals will take the stage to share their personal experiences of navigating the workplace. From overcoming challenges to leading change, these stories will highlight the power of lived experience in creating truly inclusive work environments. This session is not just for listening—it is for learning, questioning, and engaging. With a mix of scheduled speakers and spontaneous contributions from the audience, we aim to spark honest conversations about what inclusion really looks like beyond Pride. Join us to be inspired, challenge perspectives, and build a roadmap toward meaningful change. |
| Beyond Visibility: Safety and Belonging Across Our Communities | Visibility is the starting point. Achieving true inclusion requires more than symbolic gestures—it calls for systemic change, collective accountability, and a sustained commitment to ensuring safety and belonging, particularly for the most vulnerable communities. In this interactive session, we ask a powerful question: Who truly gets to belong? Together, we will explore the complexities of identity, safety, and inclusion through lived experiences and authentic dialogue. Participants will gain early insights from the PoC Vision Paper, engage in a focused conversation on trans safety in the workplace, and get a first look at a new mentorship initiative designed to empower the next generation of change makers. Join us as we move beyond Pride to build a future where all people—especially those living at the intersections of multiple marginalised identities—are not only seen, but valued, safe, and supported. Because real inclusion does not stop at visibility—it starts with belonging. |
Keynote Speakers
Andrew Bester (He/Him)
Chief Executive – Wholesale Banking, Member of the Management Board – ING
Andrew Bester was appointed as a member of the Management Board Banking and head of Wholesale Banking as of 6 April 2021. He is responsible for ING’s wholesale banking activities globally and for the Sustainability department. Before joining ING, he was CEO of the Co-operative Bank in the UK. Andrew has an accounting degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. He is a certified chartered accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (CA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA) and Association of Corporate Treasurers (MCT).
Karen De Lathouder (She/Her)
Chief Operations Officer – Member management board – Eneco
Karen de Lathouder joined the Management Board in November 2023, taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer Assets (COO-A).
Karen worked in various roles at bp from 2017 to 2023, most recently as CEO of bp’s Dutch branch, with responsibility for all corporate operations in the Netherlands. Before that she was Vice President Refining Rotterdam. Prior to joining bp, Karen worked for Orpic, Akzo Nobel and Shell in various countries including Denmark, Germany and the UK.
Karen has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Delft University of Technology and an MBA from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Christiaan Rebergen (He/Him)
Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A stable world and a stable organisation: as Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs, it is my job to bring these two goals together. To achieve this, I believe in the importance of strong relationships, resilient foreign policy and a view to the future. A world that is changing rapidly requires connection. With foreign countries, but also with Dutch society. And not only to respond to the rapid developments, but also to anticipate them. That is what I am committed to. For a ministry that is ready for the Netherlands – and for the challenges of tomorrow.
As a participant of the conference, the Career Pathfinder section offers a unique and inspiring opportunity to connect with some of the most inclusive and forward-thinking organisations within our network. Located on the lower floor, this dedicated area features our Global Benchmark high achievers — member organisations that are leading the way in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. By visiting their stands, you can explore real-life examples of active Pride Networks, discover how different companies are creating safe and empowering environments, and engage directly with representatives who are passionate about diversity. Whether you are seeking ideas to bring back to your own organisation, looking to expand your professional network, or exploring inclusive career opportunities — the Career Pathfinder is where meaningful connections begin.
Royal Tropical Institute, Mauritskade 64, 1092 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands
How to get there by car? Take the Watergraafsmeer/Diemen (s113) exit from the A10 ring road. At the end of the road choose the exit heading to Centrum/Watergraafsmeer. Continue through via the Middenweg that turns into the Linnaeusstraat. Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen is located at the end of this street on the corner of Mauritskade.
Where is the nearest parking garage?
- Q-Park Oostpoort Polderweg 921093 KP Amsterdam
- From this parking garage you can take tram 19 and you will arrive to our building in two stops.
How do I get there using public transport? The Tram stops Alexanderplein and Linnaeusstraat are both right in front of our building and are easy and quickly available:
From Amsterdam Central Station: tram 14 – tram stop Alexanderplein
From Amsterdam Sloterdijk: tram 19 – tram stop Alexanderplein
From Diemen: tram 19 – tram stop Linnaeusstraat 1e van Swindenstraat
KIT Royal Tropical Institute
P.O Box 95001
1090 HA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
