Conference debates global change and disability inclusion

Join Business Disability Forum’s Global Conference (online) on 21 November 2024 to hear about how global businesses and employers are adapting to recent changes in legislation and regulation. The conference is sponsored by HSBC and will take place from 10am to 4pm GMT.

A young man with multiple disabilities uses a laptop while he sits outside. His hands show a physical impairment.
The conference will consider the impact of new legislation on digital accessibility

‘Disability inclusion in a changing world’ will debate how organisations are responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by elections, new governments and differing opinions on diversity and inclusion that have been emerging in recent months. It will also consider the impact of new legislation such as the European Accessibility Act, and the increasing Environment Governance and Social (ESG) reporting requirements.

These changes have led to an increased interest in global data monitoring. Frontline pharmaceutical company Novartis will share their experiences of working in Eastern and Western Europe, India, China, and Japan and the challenges of differing cultures and legislation around disability inclusion.

Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum said:

“Business Disability Forum represents a global community where businesses, across a range of industries, can come together to discuss current developments and to share best practice. 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.” 

Keynote speeches and conversations

Being the Change you want to see

  • La Mondré Pough, CEO, Billion Strong and visionary and esteemed expert in the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Disability inclusion in a changing world – what’s new and what is on the horizon?

  • Angela Matthews. Director of Policy and Research, Business Disability Forum, in conversation with Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum

Sponsor’s address

Carolanne Minashi, Global Head of Inclusion, HSBC (UK) will be delivering a sponsor’s address. Carolanne said:

“We are proud to partner with the Business Disability Forum (BDF) to help foster more inclusive work environments where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to fulfil their potential.

“At HSBC, we know that we are better when we reflect the communities we serve. By recruiting employees with disabilities and supporting existing colleagues with a disability through building an inclusive culture, and investing in accessibility, businesses can tap into innovative solutions that ultimately drive growth.” 

Panel discussions

Disability Inclusion at Novartis – navigating cultural and regulatory differences

  • Stephie Elms, Head of Disability, Equity and Neuroinclusion, Novartis (Switzerland).
  • Frederique Loeuillet-Ritzler, Software Product Line Operations Manager, Novartis (France/Switzerland).
  • Satya Shree, Global Transparency Lead in Legal and Assurance, Novartis (India).
  • Anja Uršič, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Novartis (Slovenia).

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) – the knowns and the unknowns and what businesses need to do

  • Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google (UK)
  • Sabine Lobnig, Director for Communications, Mobile & Wireless Forum (MWF) (Austria)

Building confidence through disability networks and employee resource groups (ERGs)

  • Brendan Roach, Managing Director, PurpleSpace (UK)
  • Amber Singsayachack, Customer Service Manager, SLB (US)
  • Renee H. Anastasi, Vice President, Fixed Income, Currency, & Commodities, IT Digital Business Services, HSBC Technology & Services (US)

How can we use ESG to drive disability inclusion?

  • Jürgen Menze, Disability Inclusion Specialist, International Labour Organization (Switzerland)
  • Rubeena Singh, Senior Research Consultant, International Labour Organization (Canada)

Disability inclusion in a changing world is an online conference taking place on 21 November from 10am – 4pm GMT. To reach a global audience, all sessions will be available for playback immediately after the live broadcasts. To join the conversation, wherever you are in the world. Go to Business Disability Forum’s events page to sign up and for further information on speakers.

Ends

Members of the media interested in attending the conference should email media@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk

Bookmark (0)
Please login to bookmarkClose